Landmark Green Buildings Bill Passes First Hurdle

First in the Nation Zero Energy Measure Would Dramatically Reduce Carbon Emissions from California Homes

Los Angeles, CA - April 14, 2009 – Yesterday the California Assembly Natural Resources Committee passed AB 212, the Residential Buildings Zero Net Energy Bill. The bill, sponsored by Global Green USA and authored by Assembly Member Lori Saldaña (D- San Diego) will require all new residential buildings to be net zero energy beginning in the year 2020.
 
“Energy use in buildings is the largest single global warming pollution source in the United States - accounting for 48% of all greenhouse gas emissions nationally,” said Global Green policy director Mary Luevano. “Urgent action is needed to address the climate crisis and AB 212 is a huge step in the right direction.”
 
The term “zero net energy building” describes a building that implements both energy efficient design features and clean on-site energy or near-site generation that combine to result in no net gas or electricity purchases annually.
 
“The state is committed to reducing greenhouse gases from fossil fuel power generation,” Saldaña said. “Incorporating energy saving technology and on-site or near-site renewable power generation like solar into new residential construction will make a significant contribution to the achievement of those objectives.”
 
Net zero buildings also significantly lower utility costs for residents. Lower energy consumption means less stress on the power grid, reducing the vulnerability to the rolling blackouts Californians experienced in 2000.
 
AB 212’s next test will be in the Assembly Appropriations Committee where it will likely be heard next month. The model for this legislation is the Solara project in Poway, California; the first apartment community in California fully powered by the sun. Global Green USA was the primary green consultant on the Solara project.

About Global Green USA
Global Green USA is the only national environmental group headquartered in greater Los Angeles, and has offices in Washington D.C., New Orleans & New York. Global Green is the US affiliate of Green Cross International, founded by Mikhail Gorbachev in 1993. Global Green is pioneering smart solutions to fight global warming with an emphasis on creating green homes, schools and sustainable cities. Global Green and President Gorbachev recently released its first annual Global Solar Report Card, which gives an evaluation of progress towards solar energy use within 16 countries around the world.