City of Sunnyvale

NEW! PG&E Cash Incentive Program for Energy Efficient New Home Construction PG&E has begun offering incentives to builders when they add energy-efficient features to their homes beyond Title 24 requirements.

On February 24, 2004 the City Council approved a policy and ordinance to encouraging sustainable development and providing and incentive for green buildings. The staff report recommended the following action and all items were approved by the City Council:

§ Adopt a policy that encourages public and private facilities to include green building design features into new construction, remodeling, and maintenance.

§ Adopt an ordinance to allow an additional 5% Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for buildings located in the industrial zoning districts without a Use Permit when the building is designed and intended for LEED Certification for areas outside of Moffett Park. The Moffett Park Specific Plan includes seperate Green Building standards.

§ Provide education and resources to the community to encourage sustainable development and green building design

§ Encourage staff training and education in the green building industry

§ Finally, prior to the planning or design of any new City facility over 10,000 square feet, LEED certification will be considered by Council.

Following is a listing of various green building resources:

Green Development Organizations:

Build It Green

PG&E Savings by Design

Alameda County Waste Management Authority

Recycleworks (San Mateo County)

US Green Building Council

Florida Sustainable Communities Center

Ecological Design Institute