Salt Lake City to Offer Incentives for Green Homes

Salt Lake City mayor Ralph Becker is putting together an executive order to fast-track permits for area developers who agree to construct green buildings, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.

The paper reports that projects that qualify for the EPA's Energy Star program for full-house energy efficiency are being targeted, as well as dwellings that meet or exceed the "silver" level from the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.

The streamlined permitting process is hoped to lure developers with the promise of faster turnarounds -- which translates to money in that line of work (as well as decreased headaches). It is also hoped that the goosing of the local market for green building, which is at little cost to taxpayers, will lead to greater awareness among homebuyers. In a time of rising fossil fuel prices, more and more consumers are in fact looking for lower energy bills, and who doesn't want to surround themselves with healthier indoor environments?

Becker plans to sign the measure in late August, and Ii would take effect 60 days later as a one-year trial period.

Get the low-down on what these different green home labeling systems mean, from Energy Star to LEED and the NAHB's program, here. Learn more about precisely how going green helps homeowners and real estate professionals fare better in the housing market here.

COMMENTS ()