The Capital reported that a new bill introduced to the Annapolis City Council by Mayor Ellen O. Moyer aims to ensure that, for all new construction and major renovations of buildings with more than 10,000 square feet, builders adhere to design standards set by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) system.

Passage of the bill would make Annapolis a regional leader in LEED.

The bill, which includes single-family homes as well as commercial construction, is expected to be heard in January. The council is expected to add a timeline for implementing the proposed requirements.

Mayor Moyer drafted the legislation as a result of recommendations made by a task force on energy efficiency to reduce the city’s carbon footprint.

The LEED system is a nationally-accredited program intended to boost the use of sustainable green building practices that include using solar energy, water conservation devices such as low-flow toilets and reducing stormwater runoff. The system is based on certifying building practices as silver, gold or platinum according to the points acquired on LEED building checklists.

Two area buildings -the Highland Beach Town Hall and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Phillip Merrill Environmental Center-meet the LEED platinum standards. Outside the Annapolis area, Eldersburg is slated for the mid-Atlantic’s first green shopping center, which is expected to realize a 30 percent energy savings cost.

The upcoming Hilltop Lane recreational center, which will feature a green roof, only renewable resource building materials and low-toxin paints and carpets will meet to THE LEED silver standard.

The city is also reviewing restoring to platinum standard a 1934 building at Back Creek Nature Park used for wastewater treatment.

Washington County recently passed a law that requires that all private building projects bigger than 50,000 square feet meet LEED standards by 2012. Montgomery County will require private buildings larger than 10,000 square feet to meet them next year.

Baltimore and Howard counties are currently considering requiring LEED standards compliance.

Tags: Annapolis Maryland real estate, Annapolis real estate, green real estate, LEED, maryland commercial real estate, maryland green real estate

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