greenHo.ws

There is a new certification owner in town. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) recently established a new organization for providing “green” credentials for builders. It is the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). The USGBC is transferring the LEED Professional Accreditation administration to the GBCI. Over the last seven year there have been more than 43,000 building professionals that have shown a understanding of green building techniques, the LEED® Green Building Rating System™ and the certification process and have been recognized by the LEED AP program.

GBCI was tasked with developing and administering a credentialing programs to improve and expand green building practices and standards as well as exam development, registration and delivery.

The formation of GBCI created an administrative independence between the LEED Rating Systems and the LEED AP credential organization. This is a requirement for seeking accreditation for professional credentialing programs by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

GBCI

There recently was a interesting article written by Jeff Tucker of the Pueblo Chieftain - Architects differ on green building savings. In the article they discuss whether building green is really cost effective. The town of Pueblo is building two new green public buildings, the Pueblo Police Department and the City-County Health Building. The architectural firm designing the two building contends that building the two buildings to LEED silver standard could cost as much as 22% more than a standard built building. They said:

“The main argument for the added expense is that it’s paid for in the long run because the buildings use less electricity, gas and water, and pay less utilities.

But he said he couldn’t provide any estimates on how much the city and county will save in utilities. The concept of green building is just too new”

Other architects don’t necessarily agree with the assessment, saying:

“It shouldn’t cost more than a 5 percent increase, and it should give you a five-year pay-out.”

Take a look at the article and let us know what you think.

Interesting tidbits from the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.

Green Building

In New Mexico a 2,000 square foot home that is LEED Silver certified, which means that it is at least 40% more energy-efficient than a standard built home, can qualify for a $10,000 tax credit!

Solar

The New Mexico Solar Tax Credit will pay up to $9,000 for state residents and they can also receive up to a $2,000 federal tax credit.

Hybrids

Prius buyers rejoice, any New Mexico resident that buys a hybrid vehicle with a EPA rating of at least 27.5 MPG can save between $600 - $1,000 in addition to their allowed federal tax deduction.

You can feel good and save money.

For details check the following website:

New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department

There was a neat post on ZagatBuzz today. It concerned “green” restaurants and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. It was an interesting quick read.

ZagatBuzz Green Restaurant

LEED Certification