Building Green in Hillsborough
To further its commitment to sustainability, the Town of Hillsborough encourages all residents and building professionals to incorporate green building measures in their projects. In December, 2007, the Town of Hillsborough’s City Council approved a resolution to promote the use of green building techniques in all new construction and major remodeling projects. The Town requires that applicants for new construction and major remodel permits complete a GreenPoints Checklist. (Save the file to your hard drive before editing). There are no minimum green building requirements at this time, but the completion of the GreenPoints Checklist will assist staff in monitoring green building activity in Hillsborough. Hillsborough is also a member of Build It Green, a professional non-profit membership organization whose mission is to promote healthy, energy and resource efficient buildings in California. What is Green Building? Green building is a “whole-systems” approach for designing, constructing, and maintaining buildings in a manner that conserves energy, water and material resources, and creates buildings that are healthier, safer, and more comfortable to live in than ordinary structures. Common green building practices include: - Using the sun and wind to the building’s advantage for natural heating, cooling, and lighting, along with energy-efficient insulation and ventilation systems.
- Using techniques that conserve water such as landscaping with native plants
- Building with high-quality, environmentally-friendly materials that last longer than conventional materials. One example of such material is wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which ensures that the lumber is harvested from sustainably managed forests.
- Using recycled content materials such as granite countertops as well as salvaged materials such as restored architectural columns.
- Reducing, reusing, and recycling the maximum amount of construction waste.
- Maintaining healthy indoor air quality by eliminating or reducing the use products containing formaldehyde or volatile organic compounds.
- Using energy-efficient building techniques and appliances as well as water-conserving plumbing, techniques and appliances.
This site provides you and your building professionals with resources and information on how to design, build and maintain green building features.
New Home Construction Green Building Guidelines Remodeling Green Building Guidelines GreenPoints Checklist -allows residents and building professionals see how green their project is. Access Green Directory – An online searchable directory of suppliers and service providers of green building products within the San Francisco Bay Area.
Ask an Expert -- A free hotline that can answer your green building questions. Green Building Professionals, Architects, and Designers Energy Efficiency Solar Electricity Water Conservation The Town of Hillsborough and the State of California offer several rebates for energy and water-efficient appliances. Click here for information about current rebate programs. |
