I read about "green buildings.”  What is that all about?

The City of Boston in January of 2007 adopted amendments to the Boston Zoning Code that would require all projects over 50,000 square feet to be designed and planned to meet so-called "green" requirements.  In July of 2008 Governor Patrick signed a state law which establishes a program by which cities and towns can qualify as "green" communities and be eligible for state grants and loans if certain levels of energy efficiency in municipal buildings are achieved.  The Act also provided incentives for private developers to build so-called "green" projects, including the right of siting and streamlined permitting.

The purpose of "green" is to build buildings that meet the needs of the present without creating environmental damage to future generations.  Standards have been created by LEED, a national organization, which has developed standards for design, construction and operation of green buildings which means efficient use of land, water savings, energy efficiency, and materials selection which leads to enhanced indoor environmental qualities.  For further information you can check the web site at www.usgbc.org/leed.

If you have questions about this or any other real estate matter, please contact Tom Bennett at (617) 531-6574 or tvb@barronstad.com.