A new Miami Beach, Fla., law requires builders of structures larger than 7,000 sf to either meet certain green building standards or pay a fee of 5% of construction costs.
The legislation is linked to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with the city highly vulnerable to rising sea levels due to climate change. The law went into effect on April 1.
The 5% fee for a 7,000 sf house would be $87,500, at $250 for each square foot—a typical cost of a new home in Miami-Dade County. To avoid paying a fee, builders must achieve a LEED Gold rating or better.
Upfront costs may be greater for commercial and residential buildings that have solar panels, wind turbines, and specialized air conditioning and rainwater-harvesting systems. The law’s proponents point out opportunities for savings over the long term by building greener from using longer-lasting materials, less maintenance requirements, and energy and water savings.
Related Stories
Sponsored | Green | Nov 20, 2015
A century-old furniture factory gets a living wall biofilter for better air
During renovations, the team integrated the biofilter into the new HVAC system to provide clean air directly to the offices
Green | Nov 19, 2015
USGBC names 2016 board of directors and advisory council
New governance structure will have two leadership bodies.
BIM and Information Technology | Nov 18, 2015
AIA: Energy modeling key to reaching carbon neutrality in buildings
Energy modeling allows architects to be more ambitious with energy-saving in their design projects.
Green | Nov 18, 2015
Green Seal expands standard for paints, coatings, stains, and finishes
This new edition of GS-11 includes floor coatings, concrete and masonry sealers, and fire resistive coatings, in addition to the paints, primers, anti-corrosive coatings, and reflective coatings previously covered.
Green | Nov 17, 2015
DOE launches new data collaborative to help cities and states boost building efficiency
The SEED Standard will help manage, standardize, share performance data.
Mixed-Use | Nov 16, 2015
Italian architect designs vertical forest with prefab units by BuroHappold
Cantilevered planters will host cedar trees and other plants hundreds of feet above ground.
Green | Nov 16, 2015
USGBC Working Group approves new guidance for LEED Materials & Resources Credit 4
Helps product manufacturers offer insight into material and supply chain sustainability
Green | Oct 30, 2015
First WELL-certified city district will be built in Tampa, Fla.
The plan calls for the construction of a $2 billion, 40-acre urban mixed-use development, where all buildings will pursue WELL Certification.
Sponsored | Green | Oct 22, 2015
Six-story living wall improves building performance at University of Ottawa
Benefits of the living wall include dust control and sound abatement.
Green | Oct 21, 2015
GBCI announces 2015 class of LEED Fellows
The 35 winners have demonstrated leadership within the green building movement.
