Council seen OK'ing 'Green Buildings' bill

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The Montgomery County Council today is expected to approve legislation that would encourage builders to include energy-saving and pollution- reducing features in future developments.

Called the "Green Buildings" bill, the legislation would make the county one of the most environmentally clean metropolitan areas in the nation.

"This is my most major initiative of my last year as council chairman," George Leventhal, at-large Democrat, said during a press conference yesterday.

Later yesterday, the council's Transportation and Environment Committee began working out details of the bill.

If approved, the Green Buildings legislation could take effect in a year and would apply to new and public buildings of 10,000 square feet or more.

It would encourage builders to install low-flush toilets, plant-covered roofs and recycling centers -- among other environmentally conscious amenities -- in new developments.

Those who adhere to the legislation's guidelines would be rewarded with reduced building fees and energy tax rebates.

"Although constructing an environmentally smart building may cost more up front than a wasteful building, in the long run the energy and water savings will more than compensate for the upfront expense," Mr. Leventhal said.

During yesterday's press conference, the council president and others noted the Green Building standards applied in the renovation of the five-year-old Tower Building at 1101 Wootton Parkway, along Interstate 270, in Rockville.

The 10-story building's exterior features special window glass that has a silvery-metal finish.

"The windows minimize the amount of heat entering through," said Marnie L. Abramson, principal of Tower Cos.

"When you step inside, you can immediately sense the difference," Mrs. Abramson said. "The air filtration system is like that on submarines. It removes 85 percent of the toxins. In 55 minutes, all of the air inside is recycled."

Electricity for the Tower Building is generated by windmills on Backbone Mountain in West Virginia.

"This building is one of the first examples of Green Buildings leadership anywhere," Mr. Leventhal said, adding that Green Buildings will use less electricity.

Currently, 68 percent of the area's electricity is consumed by buildings, he said.