LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) Board of Commissioners took action today to expedite services for building development projects that have less impact on the environment by using fewer natural resources. The approved policy provides accelerated water and electrical connections for buildings that meet the United States Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. The Commission also adopted a policy to only build “green,” with the requirement that new LADWP construction projects will meet a minimum of a LEED Silver Standard, as certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. “The LADWP is committed to leading the way in environmental stewardship and taking aggressive action to support “green” building design, reduce energy and water consumption, clean our air and reduce greenhouse gases,” said LADWP Commission President H. David Nahai. “The LADWP wants to tangibly demonstrate that it means business. Not only will the LADWP give priority to buildings and construction that will be “green,” but we also will ensure that department resources are mobilized to support these projects.” The LADWP will work in concert with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety to shepherd a project through the necessary steps to completion. Builders and developers can take advantage of the LADWP Green Building Incentive that offers up to $250,000 in financial incentives to assist a building in becoming more green and meeting LEED standards. The LADWP also has additional energy efficiency programs, such as the Commercial Lighting Program and the Solar Incentive and Green Power Programs that can assist a project in earning points towards LEED certification. The LADWP will also work with the U.S. Green Building Council to develop Los Angeles-based standards that would further focus on water conservation, storm water run-off and other local issues. The U.S. Green Building Council certifies building projects using a rating scale that has four tiers depending upon the number of points earned. Projects earn points for reduced water and energy use, as well as using environmentally friendly construction materials. A project can accumulate a total of 69 points. A project must accumulate 26 points to receive basic certification. Silver certification requires 33 points, while Gold requires 39 points and Platinum certification requires 52 points. Projects submitted to the LADWP that are for new construction or for retrofit, that meet the designated Silver LEED standard will be labeled as a “Green Building” on LADWP applications. This designation will allow the project to receive priority treatment through the construction and water/power connection process. In addition, LADWP will work with the projects to see if there are LADWP efficiency and conservation incentives or programs that can increase the LEED level or further enhance the environmental benefit of the “green” project. Interested developers and builders can contact the LADWP Energy Efficiency team at (213) 367-4134 or log on to www.ladwp.com to learn how a project can be fast tracked or learn more about the LADWP Green Building Incentive or other efficiency efforts. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the nation’s largest municipal utility, was established more than 100 years ago to provide a reliable and safe water and electric supply to the city’s businesses and residents.
