Taking aim at wasteful large developments, the city of Boston approved several new amendments forcing all major new and rehabilitation construction projects exceeding 50,000 square feet to earn a minimum 26 LEED New Construction points.

LEED (which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the premiere certification for eco-friendly construction in the U.S. as determined by the U.S. Green Buildings Council. The Boston requirement of 26 points is the minimum for LEED certification in the U.S.

The new building codes will affect both private and public construction, a first for the U.S. They exist to reduce the negative impact of buildings on the environment and occupants in five areas: sustainable site planning, water savings, energy efficiency and renewable power, materials and resource conservation, and indoor environmental quality.

The article goes on to mention that Washington, D.C. is considering a similar mandate within the next couple years. Right now, it looks as if Boston might be a model for the rest of the country to mimic once the value of such moves is proven on such a large scale.

One interesting part of Boston's plan is that while builders are required to adhere to LEED standards, they do not have to apply for certification (a move that can be costly). Instead at least one person on the building team must be a LEED-certified professional; who can then make sure the project is abiding by the rules.

Way to go Boston! Here's to hoping more cities play 'follow the leader' and that the requirement dips below 50,000 sq. ft. to cover even more construction projects.

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