Going green isn’t just about recycling, cutting down on water usage and using lights only when necessary. Businesses around Indiana are reducing their carbon footprint by changing the way buildings are being constructed.
Mayor Greg Ballard’s Office of Sustainability and Department of Code Enforcement have been leading the City of Indianapolis into the new age of green.
“The City of Indianapolis is developing policies, programs and initiatives to promote green building practices, remove barriers and engage its citizens in improving their built environment. The city is committed to increasing the number of green buildings in both the public and private sector to create a better future and quality of life for Indianapolis residents,” according to the office of sustainability’s official website.
With a growing concern for businesses to go green, the city is offering incentives to those who meet certain criteria set by the city. The incentive is called “Green Building Incentive.”
In 2011 the city began the program, which offers a reduction of permit fees for property owners and developers of new and existing buildings.
In order to qualify, the project must meet a minimum of three criteria enabling them a 30 percent rebate. For every additional criteria a project fulfills, an extra 10 percent is taken off. The maximum rebate is 50 percent for one project.
To give those figures meaning, permit and application fees for an average commercial building would be about $2,645.
The office also indicated, “Green building and development is the process by which architects, engineers and building owners design and construct high performance buildings that minimize their impact on the environment while providing benefits to the occupants.
“Green buildings have a positive impact on many fronts. Not only do green buildings increase energy efficiency and reduce water usage, but a sustainable building increases indoor air quality providing a safer and healthier space for occupants.
“The benefits of green buildings contribute to higher market values, as opposed to conventional buildings.”
Scott Manning, the public information officer at the Office of Sustainability said, “This incentive came about to encourage builders, business owners and residents to begin green building practices, we also added in a financial incentive.”
For more information on the criteria, and other incentives available visit indy.gov/sustainindy.
