Green Building is the practice of building or remodeling with sustainability in mind. This topic encompasses a wide range of measures from building layout to using recycled content materials or wood that has been sustainably harvested. These Green Building practices result in a building that is healthier, more resource-efficient and better for the environment.

There is a perception that building green may be more expensive. Depending on the materials you chose and the equipment you install, the cost can be nominal compared to the long term benefits. The savings on operations and maintenance costs will far exceed any initial investment and because of diminishing resources, a green building will likely be a wise investment in the future.

For more information and design ideas, view our Sustainable Buildings Guide information. If you have any questions or comments on how to build green in San Mateo County, use our contact form and send to Green Building. You may also let us know how you like this service, whether you found what you were looking for and got the help you needed. We are always looking for ways to improve our service and information. Sign up for San Mateo County Bi-Weekly Guide to Green Building & Energy News

The County of San Mateo Board of Supervisors adopted a Sustainable Building Policy on December 11, 2001 that requires all new buildings over 5000 square feet to be built to the highest practicable LEED rating and certified through the U. S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

The first building built with green standards was the San Mateo County Sheriff's Department Crime Lab.
Pictures and Description

Other Notable Green Buildings in the County

The objective for the Sustainable Buildings Program is to lessen environmental impacts of construction by encouraging or requiring integrated designs that are energy efficient, conserve water, have good indoor air quality, use materials that are renewable, recycled, nontoxic, and local, and are sensitive to the site on which the building is built. Additionally, the program identifies better building practices such as the recycling or reuse of construction and demolition debris. The Guide was developed by a countywide committee and is available at most permit and planning counters in the county. It is also available from RecycleWorks.
Sustainable Buildings Guide

More Information

RecycleWorks has a substantial green building section on www.RecycleWorks.org including: information on energy, solar, materials, indoor air quality, lectures, events, and more. You can sign up for the Green Building E-list and stay up-to-date on what’s happening around the county. 
Green Building E-list