Green Building
Green Buildings are designed to be affordable, preserve the health of building occupants, conserve natural resources, and reduce both energy and transportation costs. The City of El Cerrito encourages all owners and builders to consider Green Building in their projects.
What is "Green Building"?
Green Building promotes construction that reduces impacts on the environment and creates a healthier environment for building occupants. Green building techniques and materials can be used for both new building construction and remodels. Green Building includes:
- Energy and water efficient technologies (such as double-pane windows and low-flow toilets)
- Uses recycled content materials (such as plastic lumber made with recycled plastic containers)
- Reduces and recycles the amount of Construction & Demolition (C&D) Waste generated by a construction project.
Find out more about Green Building...
Visit Contra Costa County's webpage on Green Building for a "Whole-Systems" approach to designing and constructing buildings that conserve energy, water, and material resources and are healthier, safer, and more comfortable. This information is also available at El Cerrito City Hall.
The following websites also provide additional information on Green Building education, tools, certifications, and incentives:
Build It Green
Build It Green is a local professional non-profit membership organization whose mission is to promote healthy, energy and resource-efficient buildings in California. Located in Berkeley, BIG offers free consultations on green building practices to homeowners pursuing additions and renovations through their `Ask An Expert` hotline (888-40-GREEN) as well as in-person meetings.
PGE.com
The Pacific Energy Center offers free educational programs, design tools, advice, and support to create energy efficient buildings and comfortable indoor environments, mostly regarding commercial buildings, also includes advice and information for residential buildings.
CalRecycle
Information from the State of California about recycling construction and demolition (C&D) materials.
U.S. Green Building Council
LEED Buildings: The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.
The City of El Cerrito encourages all owners and builders to consider Green Building in their projects. For questions or assistance in how to incorporate green building in your project, please contact:
- Building Division at 510-215-4360,
- Planning Division at 510-215-4330, or
- Recycling Center at 510-215-4350
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