Overview of the District’s Green Building Program David Epley Green Building and Sustainability Program Manager

Learning Objectives DC’s green building policy history Summary of the process for policy development Overview of existing policy New construction and remodels Is policy prescriptive or performance based or both? Policy triggers Program funding mechanism Financial cap/financial element of policy? Impact on low-income housing (govt owned) logistics, program review, enforcement Struggles/challenges, lessons learned Other tricky elements of policy design and implementation, etc.

DC’s got it going on! Green Building ActDC Enacts 2008 IECCClean & Affordable Energy ActEnergy Efficiency FinancingDistributed Generation Amendment ActCommunity Renewables ActGreen Area Ratio and Stormwater RegulationsGreen TAG reviews/adapts IgCC 2012DC enacts 2013 IgCC & IECC Green TAG reviews 2015 IgCC

History of the Green Building Act Adopted in 2006 and phased in over time Public and Private Building Requirements Enforcement Financial Security Green Fund Green Building Advisory Council

Adoption of the Green Code 3 year development cycle Part of 2012 I-Code Update Sought Industry input 3 Public comment periods Support from Industry groups and organizations Transitional period Alternative options

How Did DC Leverage the IgCC? “Transitional” Regulation Multiple pathways, including: – LEED – Green Communities – ASHRAE Green Building Program Manual Reduce burden on smaller projects and minor alterations Build capacity at DCRA “Certification Fees” included in permitting fees US Coast Guard Headquarters, St. Elizabeth’s West Campus Washington, DC LEED-NC Gold

The Division Enforces: Green Building Act Green Construction Code Energy Conservation Code Anacostia Waterfront Environmental Standards We operate within the structure of DCRA’s permitting and inspections groups, with work including reviews of construction documents, conducting building inspections, and collaborating with the community to further the efforts to build a more sustainable DC. The Division acts as an educator and green building technical assistance resource DCRA’s Green Building Division

Available at BuildGreenDC.org

DCRA’s Green Building Division “Meet folks where they’re at”

Hallmarks of a Successful Team Ask questions. Lots of them. They do not leave things to chance Are assertive about figuring out what applies to their project Communicate openly and often with DCRA Maintain important communications in writing Take the time to understand regulations (before permitting) Put in the effort to update their internal process. Building Relationships

Timeline DesignPermitInspectionC of O Post Occupancy

Determine what regulations apply to your project Select a capable design team Resources available and recommended to you: Self-selection Guides Preliminary Green Review Preliminary Design Review Meeting Direct technical questions to Walk-in office hours from 1-2PM everyday Educational Resources (e.g. sectional reference guides, green building program manual) Design

Green Building Act Green Construction Code Energy Conservation Code Anacostia Waterfront Environmental Standards Applicability

Available at BuildGreenDC.org

Prepare appropriate drawings, specs and additional documentation as determined by what regulations are applicable to the project Projects will be flagged for “green review” in permitting workflow Energy Code Documentation Energy Verification Sheet (communication tool) Supplemental documentation as determined by the scope (e.g. HVAC sizing, energy model calcs) TIP: Use resources at greenbuilddc.org Permitting

1) Title Block 2) Project Pathways & Info. 3) Key 4) Directions Summary 5) Measures Navigating Energy Verification Sheets

Green Building Act Documentation Depending on scope, grant DCRA view only access to LEED or Enterprise Green Communities Don’t forget the Energy Code! Green Construction Code Documentation Go online to buildgreendc.org and request a Green and Energy Code Compliance System (GECS) form. Fill out as requested. Don’t forget the Energy Code! Permitting

Energy Code inspections included in 3 rd party inspections DCRA Q&A’s the work Green Code inspections Green Rough-in Green Final Only conducted by DCRA Schedule Online at buildgreendc.org Inspections

Green Code Review inspections Collect documentation LEED, EGC, etc. - Check to make sure the accounts are active and projects are following appropriate steps GBA Private projects – Complete financial security requirement (ADVICE: this can take weeks to complete) Certificate of Occupancy

Green Fund Public Private Partnership Alternative Compliance Pathways Too much flexibility not always a good thing Keep it simple Put enforcement mechanisms in place (e.g. fines, infractions, stop work orders, financial security) Invest in your enforcement program Be nimble and flexible The devil is in the details Final Thoughts

Questions? Visit our new website at BuildGreenDC.org