L.A Utility Department to Give Priority to Green Buildings

LOS ANGELES — The largest municipal utility in the United States will fast track service for environmentally sustainable building development projects.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Board of Commissioners approved the policy, which will to provide accelerated water and electrical connection services for LEED-certified buildings.

New construction or retrofit projects that meet the minimum LEED silver standard will be designated as green buildings on LADWP applications, granting them priority status. The LADWP will work with the Department of Building and Safety to shepherd the projects through the construction and utility connection process, officials say.

The LADWP will also work with project developers to identify other efficiency and conservation incentives that could further enhance the LEED-certification level of the building, officials say.

Builders and developers are eligible for the department’s Green Building Incentive program, which offers up to $250,000 toward environmentally sustainable designs and operations.

Additional LADWP energy efficiency programs, such as commercial lighting, solar energy and green power programs, can also improve a project’s LEED-certification level.

The LADWP board also adopted a policy requiring all new LADWP construction projects to meet a minimum LEED silver standard.

Currently, LADWP is working with the U.S. Green Building Council to develop region specific standards that would focus on issues important to Los Angeles, such as water conservation and storm water runoff, officials say.