New housing developments are always being built even if the economy is slowing down. But should it be required that all new buildings must be "green" and if so, how would the state decide what "green" is? Would there be laws that say, all new built houses must use 50% less energy on average than houses build after 1975? Since environmental architecture is so diverse, how would laws require structures to be environmentally sustainable? Would they say that houses must have either A, B or C in ordered to be "green"? Or would they simplify this law by just saying that solar panels must be included in the building process? Could hiring a green architect be mitigation for impacts assessed in an EIR? What is the best way to ensure that new buildings are green, without limiting to only be able to use certain green design plans?

I believe it would be a good step forward to start requiring most of the new building construction to be "green". One of the best ways to do this is through the LEED certification process-the recognized standard for measuring building sustainability. New buildings are rated on five green design categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality. By going through the LEEDs process, their professionals provide you with resources, tools, and tips for greening your project.

Check out their resources:
http://www.nrdc.org/buildinggreen/leed.asp
http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CategoryID=19

A new building just went up here in San Francisco-the new California Academy of Sciences-and is believed to be the most sustainable building in the world by LEEDs standards. It's awesome! I love the green roof....https://www.calacademy.org/