Scottsdale Votes In Green Building Code for Commercial Buildings

The City of Scottsdale has updated its zoning code to include a number of green building features. The new green construction code applies to all new commercial and multifamily buildings. The town listed the environmental benefits of the measure. They include: 

• Mitigation of heat island effect with site shading and cool pavements. 
• Reduced water consumption with high efficiency plumbing fixtures and smart irrigation controls. 
• Accommodations for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. 
• Resilient and energy-efficient buildings with on-site renewable energy. 
• Biodiverse certified lumber for building projects using wood framing, sheathing and flooring. 
• Reduced impact materials with recycled content and local resources. 
• Construction waste reduction, recycling and repurposing. 
• Improved indoor air quality with low-VOC interior paints, coatings, adhesives, sealants and flooring. 

The city says implementing green building features brings economic benefits as well, including reduced operating costs, enhanced indoor health, occupant productivity, life-cycle cost savings and improved property value.