08-19-11 BPU RPT 10 - Laserfiche WebLink

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RIVERSIDE PUBLIC UTILITIES L Board Memorandum BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES DATE: August 19, 2011 ITEM NO: 10 SUBJECT: SEIZING OUR DESTINY—THE CREATION OF A LEED (LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN) CONSTRUCTION INCENTIVE PROGRAM ISSUE: That the Board of Public Utilities consider augmenting the existing Public Benefits funded New Construction Energy Efficiency Incentive Program with the addition of a LEED Construction Rebate Incentive Program component. RECOMMENDATIONS: That the Board of Public Utilities recommend that the City Council: 1. Approve the addition of a LEED Construction Rebate Incentive Program component to the New Construction Energy Efficiency Program; and 2. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to make any minor, non-substantive changes necessary to implement the Program modification. BACKGROUND: Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) has utilized Public Benefit funds to support a number of energy efficiency related projects throughout the city. These projects include research and demonstration with local universities,as well as the construction of renewable solar demonstration projects. The use of Public Benefit funds is restricted to projects and programs that support energy conservation, research and development, renewable projects, and low-income assistance. An established area of demonstration in energy efficiency that is continuously growing in recognition is the effort to construct buildings that are "LEED" certified. LEED or"Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" is a Green Building Rating System that is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. Members of the U. S. Green Building Council representing all segments of the building industry developed LEED and continueto contribute to its evolution. LEED was created to define"green building" by establishing a common standard of measurement, promote integrated, whole-building design practices, recognize environmental leadership in the building industry, stimulate green competition, raise consumer awareness of green building benefits,and transform the building market. LEED provides a complete framework for assessing building performance and meeting sustain ability goals. Based on well-founded scientific standards, LEED emphasizes state of the art strategies for sustainable site development,water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality, LEED recognizes achievements and promotes expertise in green building through a comprehensive system offering project certification, professional accreditation, training and practical resources.