LA Passes Ordinance for Green Building Retrofits

The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a first-of-its-kind Green Building Retrofit Ordinance to upgrade city buildings for energy efficiency.

The ordinance calls for retrofitting all city-owned buildings larger than 7,500 square feet or built before 1978 with a target of achieving LEED Silver-level certification.

In an effort to confront 11% unemployment in the  city, the ordinance will also connect the green retrofits to a green jobs training program that will connect underserved communities to careers in the new green economy.

The ordinance sets a goal of starting 100 retrofits annually and priority will be given to projects with high community-impact level.

"The ‘Green Building Retrofit Ordinance’ shows how environment and energy policies can stimulate California’s economy. It will put people to work in green jobs, generate revenue for local businesses, save L.A. taxpayers up to $6 million in energy costs and cut global warming pollution," said Derek Walker, director of the Environmental Defense Fund’s California Climate Initiative. "Los Angeles is setting an example that cities nationwide can follow."

The ordinance was developed by the L.A. Apollo Alliance, a broad coalition of community, labor and environmental groups. The green building retrofit ordinance is the group’s first initiative.

This is the latest of several energy-related policy initiatives put forth by the city of Los Angeles, including a plan to install 140,000 LED streetlight.

Los Angeles already tops the list for energy-efficient buildings.