Executive Order

WHEREAS, Prince George’s County is undergoing intense development; and

WHEREAS, as the County Executive, I am committed to making our communities more livable through energy efficiency and healthy buildings, creating a sustainable built environment, and protecting the health safety and welfare of Prince George’s County residents and employees; and

WHEREAS, the utility costs for Prince George’s County exceed $5.7 million per year; and

WHEREAS, Green Building practices have been widely accepted as sustainable best practices and include benefits such as reduction in energy cost, lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduction of negative impact on streams, habitats, and other natural resources; and

WHEREAS, the Green Building Task Force consisting of multi-agency representatives and the private sector has been developing a Green Building Program for Prince George’s County; and

WHEREAS, the Green Building Task Force has determined that building green in Prince George’s County will reduce the negative impact of development on the environment, provide cleaner, healthier buildings for County residents and citizens and help to meet Countywide goals and program- specific guidelines; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) has adopted a Resolution R55-06 supporting the development of a regional Green Building Program;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDERED, that Prince George’s County will establish a Green Building Program;

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that in September 2007, I appointed a Green Building Executive Steering Committee consisting of representatives from the following:

Office of County Executive
Office of Central Services
Department of Environmental Resources
Department of Public Works and Transportation
Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
Prince George’s County Public Schools
Health Department
County Council
Building Industry

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that an Energy Efficiency Council will be established by the Office of Central Services.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that each County agency will nominate a representative to serve on the Energy Efficiency Council, headed by the Energy Manager.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED THAT, the Green Building Executive Steering Committee shall evaluate the feasibility of the following goals and develop specific guidelines, actions, and financial strategies for each:

1. Reduce 2007 energy consumption per square foot in all existing County buildings by 20% by the year 2015;
2. Design and construct all new County buildings and public schools in accordance with the LEED Silver rating (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System) or an equivalent rating under a comparable green building performance measure;
3. Establish incentives for both new and existing private commercial buildings to achieve a LEED Silver rating or a equivalent rating under a comparable green building performance measure;
4. Establish a green building education and outreach program; and
5. Ensure that a sufficient number of development and permit review staff possesses LEED accreditation and are able to sign off on tax credits and certifications, and to adequately assist commercial developers or large-scale property owners in meeting performance measures.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED THAT, the Green Building Executive Steering Committee shall report to the County Executive by March 15, 2008 on progress of each of these goals, and bi-annually thereafter.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED THAT, the County Energy Manager will serve as the administrator to the Steering Committee and report to the Director of the Office of Central Services.

__________________
JACK B. JOHNSON
County Executive

Back to Top