Somerset County Planning Division

"CREATING QUALITY COMMUNITIES TOGETHER"
Phone:  (908) 231-7021
Fax: (908) 707-1749
e-mail:  PlanningBd@co.somerset.nj.us  
Staff Roster

Robert P. Bzik, AICP/PP
Director of Planning
Anthony V. McCracken, Sr., AICP/PP
 Assistant Director

20 Grove Street
P.O. Box 3000
Somerville, NJ 08876
 

WHAT IS GREEN BUILDING?

 

LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environment Design, is a voluntary, concensus-based green building rating system and the national standard for developing green and sustainable buildings. The U.S. Green Building Council (GBC) developed the LEED pilot program in 1998 and launched a second version of LEED nationally in 2000. Green building standards have been developed for New Construction, Existing Buildings and Commercial Interiors.A LEED standard for neighborhoods, called LEED-ND, is also being developed the GBC.

Many communities use LEED standards as a guide when incorporating green building incentives into local zoning ordinances. The Green Building Council also created LEED to:

Define green building practices;

Establish a common standard of measurement for green development

Promote integrated building design practices;

Recognize green building practices;

Stimulate more use of green design and technology; and

Raise awareness about the benefits of green buildings.

WHY BUILD GREEN?

According to the U.S.Green Building Council, buildings in the United States account for 65% of electricity consumption, 36% of total energy usage, 30% of greenhouse gas emissions, 12% of potable water consumption and 30% of raw materials usage. Green building techniques can substantially reduce these negative environmental impacts by utilizing solar panels, cisterns, green roofs, low-emitting lighting systems, low-flow water systems and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.

GREEN BUILDING ZONING INCENTIVES

More communities are recognizing the benefits of promoting green building both to reduce the negative impacts of new development and to create healthier work environments. Zoning incentives typically include density bonuses, design flexibility or setback reductions. Non-zoning incentives include tax credits, preferential building permit review and technical assistance for applicants.

To find out more about Green Building Design, visit the U.S.Green Building Council at www.usgbc.org