Going Green

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.. Unfortunately, I will be in DC that night and won't be able to make it. Any chance someone can cover it for me? Basically just show up with a tape recorder and perhaps get contact info for follow-up questions? Please and Thanks!!!!!! (http://www.greenhomenyc.org/events?do=view&event_id=793&PHPSESSID=3a314f2f99fc0ce9f8c51d18bae51fe0)

Some helpful resources for all of us might including the Building Code Journal, the American Insurance Association, Construction Monthly, and other sites I have listed below (note that some are green-specific):

http://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/1546.html
-625 Broadway – recycled materials etc

http://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/1544.html
-tax credits issued to co-locate/mixed-use buildings

http://www.cdrecycling.org/
-construction materials recycling association

http://www.constructionmonthly.com/Bill_01_05082007.html
-article from Construction Monthly

www.nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/pdf
/ll_86of2005.pdf
-Local Law 86 – Green Buildings Law

http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Updating+the+building+code+to+save+energy-a0121209295
-example of when pressure from green enthusiasts can affect building codes

http://www.iccsafe.org/news/bsj/
-Building Safety Journal

http://eetd.lbl.gov/insurance-research/GoingGreen.html
-“Going Green Reduces Losses” (re: natural disasters)