District of Columbia Legislative Initiatives
The following is a summary of green regulations and incentives. If questions arise, members may contact Nicola Whiteman, nwhiteman@aoba-metro.org or Shaun Pharr, spharr@aoba-metro.org
DC - ENERGY STAR Benchmarking Requirements
As part of DC legislation passed in 2009, there are new requirements for Energy Star benchmarking for commercial buildings in the city. More info: Energy Star Benchmarking Requirements for Private Buildings in DC.
DC – STORMWATER MANAGEMENT INFORMATION - DC Stormwater Fee
Grants for Low Impact Development and Stormwater Management Practices
DC law directs the Department of the Environment (DDOE) and the DC Water and Sewer Authority to establish a grant program for property owners that employ low impact development (LID) or stormwater management practices. DDOE has a number of grant opportunities that are available to AOBA members. For example, DDOE’s green roof subsidy program, administered by the Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS), has been expanded to specifically target properties 4,000 square feet in size or above.
Green Roofs in the District
View the AWS application and additional program information
Other Green Legislation
District of Columbia Building Code
Application: Property Owners / Developers
The District of Columbia adheres to the 2000 International Building Code. The 2003 supplement to the DC Building Code is available on the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs website.
Status: Enacted
Green Building Act of 2006
Application: Property Owners / Developers
The DC Green Building Act of 2006 was introduced in order to bring more aspects of Green Building into the District's construction and renovation. Between March of 2006 and September 2008, only buildings in new construction or substantial renovation that are over 10,000 square feet (commercial or residential) were required to meet the new Green Building standards. More standards are to be added in each subsequent year. New construction must meet the LEED New Construction 2.2 Silver standards for commercial properties while residential must meet the Green Communities standards. Substantial renovations must meet the LEED Core and Shell 2.0 Silver standards for commercial while residential must meet the Green Communities standards. All applicable buildings must have an Energy Star rating of 75. The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs has compiled a DCRA Green Building Fact Sheet explaining the main points of the Act.
Status: Enacted 8-Mar-07
Title 6, Chapter 14A of the DC Code: Green Building Requirements
Application: Property Owners / Developers
This section of the DC Code encompasses green building requirements for development and substantial improvement of real property. This legislation includes sections on publicly and privately owned buildings, definitions and compliance review, incentives for green development, information regarding the Green Building Fund, fees, exemptions and extensions. The Mayor shall establish an incentive program to promote early adoption of green building practices by applicants for building construction permits for private residential and commercial buildings. The incentive program shall be funded by funds deposited in the Green Building Fund, subject to the availability of funds.
Status: Enacted
Small Business Energy Efficiency Programs (SBEEP)
Application: Small Businesses
This program will help small businesses identify and install energy conservation measures in their facilities. It is coordinated in partnership with the retail business association that recommends members for participation. The audit will determine the number and types of energy efficiency measures that will be cost-effective to install, explain the benefits of the program to the business owner, estimate the energy and financial savings available, and provide energy usage education. Measures could include energy-efficient lighting, occupancy sensors, setback thermostats, building envelopes and HVAC system repairs. The measures identified will be installed by community-based organizations (CBOs). To verify installed measures, a second contractor will conduct a post-installation inspection of the premises. To apply to participate in this program, AOBA members should fill out an online application located on the District Department of the Environment website.
Status: Enacted 2005
Building Energy Code Program
Application: Property Owners / Developers
The DC Conservation Code, which forms part of the building code, establishes minimum energy efficiency standards for the design of new and renovated residential, commercial, institutional, public assembly and industrial buildings. The code addresses the building envelope, its heating, cooling and hot water equipment as well as the lighting system.
Status: Enacted
Renewable Energy Demonstration Project (REDP)
Application: Commercial, Residential, Nonprofit, Schools, Local Government, Institutional
The District of Columbia Renewable Energy Demonstration Project (REDP) was developed by the District Department of the Environment (DDOE) Energy Division -- formerly the D.C. Energy Office -- to increase the awareness and use of renewable-energy technologies by residents, businesses and institutions. The District Department of the Environment(DDOE) is soliciting applications from DC organizations/entities or individuals to provide grant funds to conduct a Renewable Energy Demonstration Project. DC applicants may apply for funding up to 50 percent of the cost to implement a project that produces electricity, using a renewable source of fuel (i.e., solar, photovoltaic, biomass, wind or hydropower). Projects may include but are not limited to installing photovoltaic systems in houses, and commercial or institutional buildings.
Status: Enacted
B17-0670 - Green Business Recognition Act of 2008
Application: Property Owners, Businesses, Non-profit Organizations, etc.
This bill requires the Mayor to implement a program to recognize and award businesses that have taken aggressive steps to implement sustainable practices in their operation. The Mayor shall implement a program recognizing and awarding the use of sustainable practices.
Status: Proposed
This act shall take effect following approval by the Mayor a 30-day period of Congressional review, and publication in the District of Columbia Register.
B17-0043 - Green Building Amendment Act of 2007
Application: Property Owners
This proposed bill amends the District of Columbia Green Building Act of 2006 to accelerate the pace at 20 which the District of Columbia adopts updated building codes in accordance with 21 the general goal of energy efficiency embodied in the Green Building Act of 2006.
Status: Proposed
B17-0707 - Greenspace Development Advisory Board Act of 2008
Application: Everyone
This proposed bill requires the Mayor to establish a Greenspace Development Advisory Board to monitor current greenspace, recreation land, and parks in the District with respect to advising the Mayor and Council regarding how to best utilize, maintain, and enhance greenspace and recreational opportunities, particularly with regards to new and proposed economic development projects. The Board will consist of 9 members, with one space slotted for a member of the corporate or business sector.
Status: Proposed
This act shall take effect following approval by the Mayor a 30-day period of Congressional review, and publication in the District of Columbia Register.
