S.F. Bay Area voters approve first-of-its-kind tax to fight impact of climate change

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.

Mary Ann Lazarus, FAIA, LEED® AP BD+C, has accepted a two-year consulting position with the American Institute of Architects in Washington, DC. Her new position, which begins March 1, will focus on increasing the AIA's impact on sustainability across the profession. The St. Louis-based architect will continue consulting at HOK.

This hospital at Virginia's Fort Belvoir recently achieved LEED Gold.

| Feb 22, 2013

Defense department report: Green design saves taxpayers money

An independent report on energy efficiency and sustainability standards used by the Pentagon for military construction affirms the value of LEED-certified high performing buildings to America’s military and U.S. taxpayers.

| Jan 25, 2013

Caution on UCLA study of worker productivity at 'green companies'

A new report from researchers at UCLA and France's University Paris–Dauphine claims that workers at environmentally conscious companies are more productive than their counterparts at nongreen companies.