Councilman Peduto, seemingly our only area "green" political leader, has stepped forth once again to guide the city in a green direction. His proposed legislation to force every development receiving city incentives to reach LEED silver status or higher. While cities like Boston, are forcing every new large development to reach LEED status, Pittsburgh is making a very practical compromise here. If you want our money, play by our rules. If you don't play by those rules, you'll get fined a hefty 1% of construction costs. The legislation passed first vote in council yesterday.
The Post-Gazette also reports that there is also a state-wide initiative gaining ground for environmental standards for state-aided developments.
These are some great steps, and it seems like Council is actually moving ahead with passing the legislation smoothly (unlike back in 2008 or 2007 or even 2006 when Peduto unsuccessfully proposed similar legislation). Now the question will be how this affects deals already in the works? Can East Liberty have the 4th LEED-certified Target in the country? How about the North Shore amphitheater? And where would be if we had listened to Peduto years ago?
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Peduto Strikes Again
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2 comments:
Too bad the certification process is such an expensive rip off and an agency monopoly.
Inserting 'or equivalent' would be green and good rather than green else kick in the teeth if your don't stroke our friends.
I wonder if a parking garage can be LEED-certified.
If so, there's something seriously wrong with the criteria, and they ought to be replaced with LEED-ND.
And Mark's absolutely right: The buildings need to meet the criteria, not necessarily be certified.
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