Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
<br />Smart Growth /Green Building Report <br />Orange Turning Green <br />A. Background <br />The BOCC first adopted two objectives under its Environmental Responsibility Goal on <br />December 5, 2005. The first objective was to develop a countywide environmental <br />leadership policy and institute a standing Environmental Action Committee. The second <br />was to continue, expand, and formally adopt the use of green building standards; <br />construct new facilities and deconstruct outdated facilities in a way that is eco-friendly, <br />utilizes energy conserving measures, and minimizes impacts. on the environment. On <br />April 12, 2007 the BOCC adopted five priorities to enhance the implementation of the <br />second objective of its Environmental Responsibility Goal. The five priorities are: <br />1. Research and provide suggestions for green building standards through the <br />Comprehensive Plan process and the Planning and Inspections Department <br />regulations for both public and private sector development by the end of 2007. <br />2. Implementation of green building standards through the Planning and <br />Inspections Department, Building Division regulations for both public and private <br />section development by the end of 2008. <br />3. Participate in education opportunities related to SEED guidelines through <br />training of building and planning employees and eventually education of the general <br />public and private sector builders. <br />4. Adopt `smart growth' principles of land development and site planning including <br />`low impact design' guidelines in appropriate sectors of County policy by the end of <br />2007. <br />5. Adopt `smart growth' principles of land development and site planning including <br />`low impact design' guidelines in planning and erosion control regulations by the <br />end of 2008. <br />B. Mission Statement <br />This report responds to BOCC priorities adopted on April 12, 2007 to initiate <br />implementation of its 2005 environmental and energy conservation goals. The BOCC <br />Environment Responsibility Goal directs staff to, "PerForm all County governmental <br />functions, both internal and external, with a sensitivity and ethic that promotes <br />environmental responsibility and leadership, and an understanding of the actions of <br />government activities as they affect the natural and cultural resources of the County, <br />region, state, nafiion and world." <br />