Voters in Berkley, CA have voted to reduce their emissions by 80% in 2050. Berkley is trying to lead the way in green city initiatives. It’s an ambitious goal that we hope will spread to other cities.
To meet the voter mandate of reducing greenhouse gases by 80 percent by 2050, Berkeley officials propose:
Bus passes for apartment dwellers and eventually for everyone. Landlords would be allowed a small rent increase (equal to $7 per month in today’s costs) to pay for tenants’ passes; funding of passes for all residents has not been identified.
Increased incentives to install solar panels, especially for water heaters.
Mandatory green building requirements, such as using recycled materials, even for small residential projects.
Strict energy efficiency requirements for all new buildings, resold homes and renovations requiring permits. Older appliances would be have to be replaced, insulation upgraded and added to walls, windows upgraded and garages equipped with outlets for electric cars.
July 8, 2007
Green