POL POSITION:Save green by going green, Costa Mesa shows way

Thinking “green” is no longer just on the minds of tofu lovers and tree huggers.

Gallup polling data show the number of Americans who say they worry about the environment “a great deal” or “a fair amount” increased from 62 to 77 percent between 2004 and 2006. Finally, jointly, the business and environmentalist communities have moved the issue to the mainstream. As a result, everyone saves the other green — money.

Orange County is one of the fasting growing urban areas in the country. With urbanism comes pollution and overuse of natural resources. With more venture capitalists supporting green and clean technology in the marketplace, developers, corporations and local governments now realize it is possible to reduce the negative effects of urbanism by making better choices to reduce our carbon footprint.

Some still believe “it’s not easy being green.” I know in my own home and law firm it’s hard to change bad habits, and seems costly to install energy efficient upgrades and practices. Even worse, it’s hard to know where to begin.

In February, I proposed a Costa Mesa Green and Clean Initiative. The concept was to combine a voluntary environmentally friendly incentive program to accelerate green building privately. At the same time educating the community by setting a strong example at City Hall by changing the way we do business from top to bottom was critical.

The Costa Mesa “Green Team” was established to evaluate the feasibility of integrating sustainable building techniques. Task force members comprised of various city staff members led by Khan Nguyen and Willa Bowens-Killen from Building and Planning, as well as representatives of the environmentalist, business and building communities met to formulate a policy and program.

After hearing suggestions from other Council members, numerous local architects and green builders, the staff developed a great program that will steward Costa Mesa safely for generations to come. The best news is that the program and policies also have support from the Building Industry Assn, locals such as Shaheen Sadeghi, owner of the Lab and Camp, the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce, O.C. Business Council, and major corporations such as C.J. Segerstrom & Sons, and Edison.

On Sept. 5 the City Council is scheduled to consider adopting a sustainable building policy to demonstrate the city’s commitment to environmental, economic and social stewardship.

Greenest City Policy

If approved, Costa Mesa will adopt the “greenest” policy in the state by striving to have 40 to 50% less impact on the environment based on the U.S. Green Building Council’s standards. City staff is working on a program that changes operation policies and practices from purchasing to transportation, to water conservation and construction.

Build Green Incentive Program

At the same time, we will consider a citywide nine-month pilot green building incentive program for the private sector. Similar to the Residential Remodeling Incentive Program (RRIP), the Build Green incentive program helps property owners jump the cost hurdle as an incentive for them to build green. Unlike the RRIP, the Build Green program is proposed for all private developments including multi-family, commercial and industrial. Incentives include waiving of permit fees and expedited plan review where green projects are put on the fast-track, provided application assistance, and technical help.

In efforts to set an example, a Green Roof and Solar project are scheduled as part of the 2008 budget. The benefits to the city include energy efficiency and storm water quality. These projects provide real life examples for the developing community to tour and see the benefits.

For helpful resources visit www.ci.costa-mesa.ca.us/departments/green-building/green-bldg.htm.

E-mail Councilwoman Foley at council@katrinafoley.com to share how your family or business is going green.

KATRINA FOLEY is also a Costa Mesa City Council member.