New York City Passes Green Building Bill

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has signed into law a bill establishing green building standards for certain capital projects. The law, Int. 324-A, requires most new and renovated City buildings that cost more than $2 million to “be built according to green building standards that are as stringent as LEED,” according to an Office of Communications press release. Schools and hospitals must meet LEED Certified or equivalent, and all other city projects must meet LEED Silver or equivalent. “Our hope is that our investment in green buildings will be returned many times over through energy savings and environmental, community, and health benefits,” said Bloomberg upon signing the bill. The law takes effect January 1, 2007.