Athens' Leaders To Establish Green Construction Regulations
All commercial developments in Athens will have to be friendlier to the environment after Athens-Clarke officials begin writing new regulations next month.
Athens-Clarke commissioners said at a Thursday agenda-setting meeting that they will start forcing developers to obtain LEED certification for all new and renovated shopping centers, office buildings and other commercial developments.
The proposed code changes will not apply to homes or apartments.
Green building raises construction costs and rents by a few percentage points, but actually will save businesses money in the long run by cutting down on utility expenses, said Commissioner Ed Robinson, a small-business owner.
"This is actually a business-friendly policy we're attempting to develop," Robinson said.
Click HERE for more info and a link to the story published today in The Athens-Banner Herald.
24 July 2009
