June 27, 2008—The California Department of General Services recently announced that it has developed what it calls the nation’s first statewide online database of “green” buildings, using free, readily available online mapping technology.
“By using public mapping tools, we have created an easy-to-use online gateway to California’s most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly buildings,” said DGS Director Will Bush. “The map highlights state-owned facilities that are meeting Governor Schwarzenegger’s goal to build and operate buildings that save energy, conserve natural resources, and decrease their carbon footprint, while furthering our goals to make state government open and accessible.”
According to DGS, commercial buildings currently use over 30 percent of the state’s electricity and account for a large percentage of greenhouse gas emissions, raw materials use, and waste. The online map enables the public to view the large portfolio of state facilities that achieve the energy and environmental goals of the governor’s green building executive order (S-20-04).
Issued in December 2004, the green building order requires all new state construction projects to be built to the US Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) “silver” standards. In addition, the state’s largest existing buildings (larger than 50,000 sq. ft.) are pursuing LEED certification for energy- and resource-efficient operations and maintenance practices.
The green building order also calls for state agencies to reduce energy purchases from the grid in state-owned buildings 20 percent by 2015, and encourages cities, counties, and schools to do the same.
