California Success in Fostering Green Initiatives

Green buildings reduce impact on the environment and save money by how they are built and operated. The first green library in the country, the West Valley Branch Library in San Jose, was built using 50% less irrigation water and 30% less energy than standard buildings. More than 25% of its materials are recycled and 20% were made locally. This popular library saves money by using fewer natural resources.

Pacific Gas and Electric’s statewide Savings By Design program for commercial, industrial, and agricultural customers encourages building design and construction that is energy efficient. The program is administered by four investor-owned utilities under the auspices of California Public Utilities Commission and offers building owners incentives of up to $150,000 per project to compensate for investing in energy efficient design.

Source: Building Design & Construction, White Paper on Sustainability, November 2003