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 | Metals | Jul 20, 2015
Life cycle assessment, and why you should care
LCA is a way of quantifying the environmental impact generated by the manufacture and delivery of a product.
Green | Jul 16, 2015
7 parking facilities first to earn Green Garage Certification
The new program rates parking structures based on 48 elements of operation, from water reuse to bicycle parking to car sharing options.
Smart Buildings | Jul 12, 2015
Office of Management and Budget asks agencies to consider climate change when budgeting for construction projects
For the first time, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget is asking agencies to submit budget plans that consider the effects of climate change on construction and maintenance of federal facilities.
Engineers | Jul 12, 2015
White paper explores low-flow toilets’ impact on drain lines, clogs
The research found that certain variables: toilet paper—along with the pipe slope and flush volume—are key variables in determining whether drain lines might be predisposed to clog.
Green | Jul 12, 2015
U.S. Green Building Council aligns programs with CALGreen
California has a new LEED certification path as the state struggles with drought.
Green | Jul 7, 2015
Philips sheds new light on growing fresh food indoors
A research center in The Netherlands is testing the latest techniques in urban farming.
Green | Jun 29, 2015
Rick Fedrizzi to step down as USGBC’s Chief Executive next year
Fedrizzi will be leaving an organization that has grown to 76 chapters. The Washington, D.C.-based USGBC employs 260 people, and last year reported $74.1 million in revenue.
Green | Jun 26, 2015
Training center for electricians in L.A. focuses on net zero technologies
Construction has begun Los Angeles County on what is being called the nation’s largest Net Zero Plus retrofit of a commercial building.
Green | Jun 24, 2015
6 steps toward better water management [AIA course]
When it comes to water conservation, Building Teams tend to concentrate on water-efficient plumbing fixtures, irrigation controls, graywater capture, and ways to recycle condensate from air-conditioning systems. Yet many of the best opportunities for saving water begin with big-picture thinking in a project’s earliest phases.
Green | Jun 19, 2015
3 steps toward sustainable landscape architecture
A water-conscious, sustainable landscape is easily achievable, and the options for native and drought tolerant plants far exceed cacti and succulents, writes LPA's Richard Bienvenu.