Voters in the San Francisco Bay area approved a new annual property tax of $12 per parcel aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change.
The measure, which passed with 69% of the vote, is expected to raise a half billion dollars over the next 20 years. Some opponents said the flat rate was unfair because it taxed everyone at the same level, but proponents said the $1 a month tax was not onerous.
About 80% of the Bay’s marshes have already been lost to development, according to reports. One study estimates there is $62 billion worth of property at risk from climate change in the Bay Area.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Sep 12, 2017
Washington, D.C. is first LEED Platinum city in the world
All city government buildings are powered by renewables.
K-12 Schools | Aug 31, 2017
Environmental studies building highlights sustainability in every design element
The LEED Platinum and Zero Net Energy Verified building minimizes energy use via its site orientation.
Higher Education | Aug 31, 2017
Hilltop L.A. campus preserves over 90% of its 447-acre site as open space
The Los Angeles campus is being built at a site in the eastern portion of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Data Centers | Aug 16, 2017
The world’s largest data center is being built 140 miles north of the Arctic Circle
The 600,000-sm facility will be on a secure property surrounded by a moat.
Green | Aug 11, 2017
A school’s sports hall is created entirely from bamboo
The building boasts a zero-carbon footprint and is naturally ventilated.
K-12 Schools | Aug 9, 2017
A school in Denmark is clad in 12,000 solar panels
C.F. Møller designed the building to create a connection between the school premises and the surrounding public urban space.
Sustainability | Aug 7, 2017
Existing storage center becomes symbol of renewable energy for a southwestern German town
The tower’s design comes from the Laboratory for Visionary Architecture’s (LAVA) winning competition entry for an energy park and storage tower.
Codes and Standards | Aug 3, 2017
ASID headquarters is first space in the world to earn both LEED and WELL Platinum Certification
Washington, D.C. office is showcase for top levels of the two standards.
Mixed-Use | Aug 3, 2017
A sustainable mixed-use development springs from a Dutch city center like a green-fringed crystal formation
MVRDV and SDK Vastgoed won a competition to redevelop the inner city area around Deken van Someren Street in Eindhoven.
Sustainability | Jul 31, 2017
Passive House practitioners aim to spread standard beyond single-family homes
Growth has been slow, but enticing larger firms and getting help from local governments could provide a boost.