Green Building Task Force

Updates

• On November 17, 2020, following thorough staff review and consultation with state authorities, City Council was informed that the GBTF recommendation, as well as mandating any “off the shelf” 3^rd party green building certification program, would be inconsistent with state law.  City Council requested information about the barriers identified in state law so they could consider requesting changes from the state legislature.  The GBTF will begin developing a new approach for City Council consideration.
• On September 15, 2020, the City Council agreed to temporarily delay the adoption process of an interim green building ordinance pending the imminent publication and staff review of an updated standard for the Zero Carbon Certification from the International Living Futures Institute.  The Zero Carbon Certification has been recommended by the City’s Green Building Task force as the core element of a mandatory green building program on Bainbridge Island.  Staff will continue to draft an ordinance based on Council guidance and the conclusions of the staff review.
• On September 1, 2020, the City Council expressed support for the Green Building Task Force recommendations and requested that staff complete its review of the recommendations and prepare a draft ordinance.
• On June 16, 2020, the City Council directed the Green Building Task Force to recommend an interim "off the shelf" green building program (or components of a program) to be implemented before the current development moratorium expires on October 3, 2020 to help with the City’s greenhouse gas emission reduction goals while a full Bainbridge Island program is developed.

Stay Informed
All meeting dates and materials for the Green Building Task Force are posted to this web page. Monthly updates and other meetings with the City Council are listed below to view their discussion and meeting materials, click here.

Creation of the Commission
The City Council first discussed forming a committee on November 5, 2019 and agreed to form a Green Building Task Force on December 10, 2019. Task force members were appointed on March 24, 2020. Information on Role of Councilmember Liaisons.

Purpose & Responsibilities 
The Council identified the effort to develop Green Building policies as a top priority to implement the Comprehensive Plan. The changes are intended to encourage an increased use of sustainable materials and environmentally efficient design elements. Green buildings are designed to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment by efficiently using energy, water and other resources.

Meetings

For meeting dates, agendas and minutes, Click Here.

Other Anticipated Meetings
07/07/2020- City Council Update
08/04/2020 - City Council Update
09/01/2020 - City Council Study Session on Interim Green Building Program Recommendations
09/15/2020 - City Council Study Session on Interim Green Building Program Recommendations
11/17/2020 - City Council Update
02/02/2021 - City Council Update