Building Codes Assistance Project

On April 6, the City Council of Portland, Maine unanimously approved a green building ordinance requiring all city-owned new construction and major renovations to be built to LEED Silver standards with additional energy credits to meet the energy and carbon reduction goals of the Architecture 2030 Challenge. The city joins Washington State in mandating the goals of the 2030 Challenge.

The legislation requires city-owned projects over 5,000 square feet with a total construction cost of more than $250,000, and all new city-funded private construction and renovation projects over 10,000 square feet with a total construction cost of $250,000, be certified to the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Silver Standard and achieve the minimum LEED Optimize Energy Performance points necessary to meet the targets of the Architecture 2030 Challenge.

According to the city's Climate Action Plan of 2008, 59% of the greenhouse gases emitted by city operations are from buildings with another 25% emitted from water and sewer operations.

More information: City of Portland press release | Portland City Council Resolve 14-08/09

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BCAP Maine Code Status Page