A Model Green Building Ordinance was released by the Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School for use by municipalities looking to promote the construction and design of new buildings that make efficient use of energy, water and materials. The model ordinance, a result of over a year of work and consultations with dozens of stakeholders, is designed to be readily adopted by local jurisdictions. Current municipal green building ordinances vary widely in content, coverage and quality of drafting. Many smaller localities cannot devote sufficient resources to form a fully developed green building ordinance. The model ordinance compiles the best aspects of green building ordinances nationwide, and is structured to avoid the legal pitfalls encountered by some municipals. The model ordinance, together with extensive commentary, legal analysis and other supporting documentation, is available for download at the Center for Climate Change Law’s Web site, www.columbiaclimatelaw.com.

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