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Committee Agenda Date:February 14,2006
Agenda Item No. 15

County of Santa Clara
Department of Planning and Development

PLN02 021406

Prepared by: Barbara Laskin
Management Analyst
Reviewed by: Reshma Ruzicka
Administrative Services

Manager I

DATE:

February 14, 2006

TO:

Supervisor Don Gage, Chairperson
Supervisor Pete McHugh, Vice-Chairperson
Housing, Land Use,Environment,& Transportation Committee(HLUET)

FROM:
Valentin Alexeeff

Director, Department ofPlanning and Development
SUBJECT:

Status to Referral from the Board of Supervisors on December 6, 2005
Transmittal ID B0SD5 120605-01.2 Green Building Program -Public Information, Item 17B.

RECOMMENDED ACTION

Accept report regarding status of the report back concerning development of a Green Building Program by the
Department ofPlanning and Development.
(Referral from the Board of Supervisors D5 on December 6, 2005)

Board of Supervisors: Doriald F. Gaga. Blanca'Alvaradb, Pete WcHugh,Jim Bsaii, L-lz Kriiss
Courity,Exe,cutive:>peter Kutras Jr.

Committee Agenda Date:Febrjuaiy 14,2006

Agenda itebi No. 15

FTSCALTMPTJCATTONS

There are no fiscal implications related to the acceptance of this report.
CONTRACT HISTORY

Not applicable.
REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION

At the December 6,2005 Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Kniss requested the Department ofPlanning and

Development and the Facilities and Fleet Department to develop a program and work plan, including costs, using models
in other jurisdictions as guides for a report through the Housing, Land Use, Environment, and Transportation Committee
within 60 days.
BACKGROUND

Over the past five years "Green Building," Sustainable Development, Energy Saving Development and related efforts
have been gaining momentum across the United States. Institutes and non-profit organizations have been springing up
to help expedite the process. The term "Green Building" is defined as a design and construction practice that promotes
the health and well being offamily, the community and the environment for years to come. Green Building is intended
to accomplish the following:

Save money in water and energy bills

Promote more comfortable living through good energy design, proper insulation and efficient heating and
cooling systems

Create healthier indoor enviromnent by using materials, paints and finishes that eliminate sources of air
pollution

Reduce maintenance by using premium materials that require less upkeep

Reducing the need to consume unnecessary natural resources.

Board of Supervisors: Donald F. Gage, Bianca Aivarado, Pete McHugh,Jim Besill, Liz Kniss
County Executive; Peter Kutras Jr.

Committee Agehda Date:Februaiy 14,2006,

AgeriUa ttetn No. 15

Planning and Development supports these objectives by the nature of its mission.
Actions to be taken bv the Department

1. Build It Green brochures are available at the Development Services Counter with additional brochures on order.
2. The department has obtained the San Mateo Countywide Guide for Sustainable Buildings and Alameda's New
Construction Green Building Guidelines and Home Remodeling Green Building Guidelines.
3. Staff has been assigned to modifying these workbooks for Santa Clara Coimty.
4. Draft workbooks should be available by the end of March, 2006.

5. As interest in "Green Buildings" increases, staff will attend "Green Building" training to offer value added assistance
at the counter. The "Green Building" program can be added to Quarterly Reports.
CONSEQUENCES OF NEGATIVE ACTION

The Board of Supervisors will not be informed ofthe Department actions towards developing a Green Building
Program.

STEPS FOTXOWTNG APPROVAL
None.

ATTACHMENTS

'Bbafd ofSupervisbrs: Dbhajd F^Gage.filanca Alvaradd, Pete McHugh,Jim Beall, Liz Kniss
County Executive: Peter Kutras Jr..