Kathryn's Memo

Topic: Green building and the implications for fire/building code compliance

Information gathered so far:
-relevant chapters from PlaNYC
-journal articles
-news articles
-press releases
-contact information for some relevant sources

Thoughts upon gathering this information:
-There's quite a bit of information out there on the implications of integrating Green LEED standards with building codes.
-Some quick facts:

-LOCAL LAW 86: NYC has required that all development (that fits within certain guidelines) must achieve LEED certification.
-The Freedom Tower is planned to be a Gold Standard LEED building

-There is discussion as to whether straw-based installation (which is considered extremely environmentally friendly) can meet building/fire safety codes

-Lucrative tax credits are offered to compensate builders for going green

-The use of recycled construction material is widespread

-Take a look at Executive Order 111 -- enacted by Pataki

-Following LEED standards may actually increase the safety of buildings (ie: in the event of a biological attack, rooms with certain air pressure requirements may be less affected)

-Going green may reduce losses in the event of a natural disaster.
-There is also an event, put on by GreenHomeNYC, which will take a look at how the new building code will address sustainable design. The event is being held on Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Andrew has kindly offered to go in my place as I will be out of town. (http://www.greenhomenyc.org/events?do=view&event_id=793&PHPSESSID=3a314f2f99fc0ce9f8c51d18bae51fe0)

Questions going forward:
1. What are the implications of building code restrictions on green building strategies?
2. Do green buildings comply with the same codes as other buildings?
3. What are the specific challenges for those who want to build a Silver, Gold, or even Platinum LEED building?
4. Do green buildings supersede code requirements in some areas (ie: air quality)?
5. Are there inspectors which are specifically delegated to green building inspections?
6. What role do tax incentives play in encouraging green building? Does this ever encourage people to cut corners?
7. What are the pros and cons of utilizing straw as an insulator?
8. What specific challenges do New York buildings face (ie: in terms of density)?
9. What are the compliance implications in terms of retrofitting buildings to be LEED certified?
10. What are the challenges of using recycled building materials and meeting code requirements?

Possible Sources:
-Building Safety Journal
-Ecological Building Network
-Sustainlane.com
-Center on Urban and Metropolitan Policy
-New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
-NYSERDA
-United States Building Council (LEED certification body)
-New York City Fire Department
-GreenBiz
-National Institute of Standards and Technology, US Department of Commerce

Next steps:
-attend the discussion regarding building code compliance and green building (Andrew to attend on my behalf)…be sure to acquire contact information for follow-up interviews.
-read relevant chapters of PlaNYC
-read Local Law 86
-read the conclusions derived from the post-World Trade Center roundtable
-do some in-depth pre-reporting thinking and then set up some interviews