This monthly column is designed to help readers keep track of what will be happening in the green building community. The column provides an updated list of key developments (rulemakings, new standards, etc.) that are scheduled to take place over the next several years. A brief description of each development and a reference to the most recently published Green Building Insider article relating to the topic are categorized according to the month in which the newsworthy development is expected to occur. New listings are highlighted in bold.

2010

DECEMBER

Comments are due by Dec. 16 in the initial public comment period for the new Virginia CHPS (Collaborative for High Performance Schools) Criteria assessment tool, which was made available for public review Nov. 2. (From the Nov. 15, 2010, GBI article entitled "Virginia Becomes the First State to Use Core Criteria from CHPS to Design a High-Performance Building Rating System").

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Oct. 28 announced that it has moved to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification for all new federal buildings and major renovations. For projects funded prior to fiscal 2010 that are in design, GSA is requiring that LEED Gold be incorporated into ongoing designs where possible, after considering budget and schedule constraints on current design and construction contracts. GSA's Facilities Standards will be updated to reflect these changes by the end of the 2010 calendar year. (From the Nov. 1, 2010, GBI article entitled "GSA Moves to LEED Gold for all New Federal Buildings, Major Renovations; Other LEED Developments Reported").

On Dec. 31, the first public-comment period for the U.S. Green Building Council's proposed update to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system is scheduled to conclude. (From the Nov. 15, 2010, GBI article entitled "USGBC Opens Up Proposed Update to LEED for First Public Comment").

By year's end, the U.S. Department of Energy is expected to finalize appliance efficiency standards that will save an estimated 4.5 quadrillion British thermal units over the next 30 years. (From the Oct. 1, 2010, GBI article entitled "House Passes Rural Star, Home Star Legislation; Passage of Appliance Standards Bill Sought").

By year's end, SmithGroup expects to have 60-65 projects certified by the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program. (From the Oct. 1, 2010, GBI article entitled "Recent USGBC Moves Expected to Help Hundreds of LEED-Registered Education Projects; Other LEED Developments Reported").

By year's end, Karen Penafiel, vice president of advocacy for the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) hopes to have gotten 50 entities to commit to abiding by a sustainability addendum to the organization's 7-Point Challenge. The addendum calls on BOMA associate members to implement energy efficient and sustainable policies within their corporate facilities and to work with their customers -- commercial real estate owners and managers -- to provide expertise and knowledge of the products, equipment, services, or programs they offer to help customers evaluate green strategies to facilitate market transformation. (From the June 1, 2010 GBI article entitled "BOMA Adds to its Market Transformation Plan for Sustainable Business Operations.")

The European Union intends to make buildings the center of its Energy Efficiency Action Plan, which is expected to be submitted by year's end. (From the Sept. 15, 2010, GBI article entitled "Four Organizations Take Various Steps to Improve Building Energy Efficiency").  

A $21.7-million energy and resource efficiency improvement project at the campus of the University of Louisville is expected to be completed. 

By year's end, Indoor Environmental Standards Organization Secretariat Kristy Lee expects the American National Standards Institute to approve a pair of standards that are designed to improve air quality in buildings. (From the April 15, 2010, GBI article "Indoor Environment Groups Partner to Facilitate Industry Standards").

2011

JANUARY

CALGREEN, California's Green Building Standards Code, is scheduled to take effect in January 2011. (From the Jan. 21, 2010, GBI article entitled "California Adopts Statewide Green Building Standards Code").

International Green Construction Code change submittals are due Jan. 3. (From the Dec. 1, 2010, GBI article entitled "At Greenbuild, Code Council Releases IGCC Public Version 2.0, Experts Offer Plethora of Observations During Sessions").

Last May, it was announced that Georgia would be one of the states participating in the Building Energy Codes Program's Compliance Evaluation Pilot Study. The 2009 International Energy Conservation Code Task Force is finalizing proposed amendments to the 2009 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2007. The new code is expected to take effect in January 2011. For additional information, visit http://www.energycodes.gov/states/state_status_full.php.

By 2011, state agencies in Arizona must have reduced their energy use in their buildings by 15 percent from the 2002 fiscal year baseline. For additional information, visit http://www.azleg.state.az.us/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/legtext/46leg/1r/laws/0114.htm.

In Seattle, by Jan. 1, 2011, larger buildings must begin providing the city with an annual energy benchmarking report (and, where available, an energy performance rating). For additional information, visit http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/GreenBuilding/OurProgram/PublicPolicyInitiatives/DPDP018682.asp.

Individuals and groups can submit their proposed changes to the 2008 edition of the National Green Building Standard until Jan. 31, 2011, to the NAHB Research Center. For additional information, visit http://www.nahbrc.com/technical/standards/ngbs2012.aspx.

FEBRUARY

On Feb. 2, The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) will launch a new certification program that is expected to facilitate reduced energy use in various types of buildings. (From the Oct. 15, 2010, GBI article entitled "Upcoming ASHRAE Certification Program Designed to Curb Building Energy Use").

By February 2011, the United Nations Environment Programme is expected to finalize the "Green Economy Report," which will focus on green investment in various sectors. For additional information, visit http://www.unep.org/urban_environment/Urbannewsletter/IssueSept10/index.html#EnergyKiosk.

President Obama is expected to request fiscal 2012 appropriations for the U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Program and other federal programs that are designed, at least in part, to promote green buildings.

APRIL

By late April 2011, a green building retrofit project conducted through the Energy Innovation Hub is expected to be completed, a project spokesperson told GBI. (From the Sept. 1, 2010, GBI article entitled "Team to Receive Up to $122 Million from DOE to Develop Technologies to Make Buildings More Energy Efficient").

MAY

The "Greener, Greater Buildings Plan," which is referenced in laws passed in New York City, requires all buildings exceeding 50,000 square feet to report energy and water efficiency benchmarks by May 2011. (From the May 15, 2010, GBI article entitled "ProAct Online Software Tool Tracks Sustainability and Operational Performance in Buildings").

In the spring of 2011, a revised public draft of the International Green Construction Code is expected to be submitted for consideration at a code-development hearing. (From the Jan. 21, 2010, GBI article entitled ICC Official Reveals Schedule for Developing International Green Construction Code).

JULY

On July 1, the second public-comment period for the U.S. Green Building Council's proposed update to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system is scheduled to begin. (From the Nov. 15, 2010, GBI article entitled "USGBC Opens Up Proposed Update to LEED for First Public Comment").  

In July 2011, plumbing provisions for the California Department of Housing and Community Development's Green Building Standards are scheduled to go into effect. For additional information, visit http://www.biasandiego.org/pdfs/CBIA%20Grn%20Building%20Standards%20Code%5B1%5D_1.pdf.

AUGUST

On Aug. 15, the second public-comment period for the U.S. Green Building Council's proposed update to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system is scheduled to conclude. (From the Nov. 15, 2010, GBI article entitled "USGBC Opens Up Proposed Update to LEED for First Public Comment").

Starting in August 2011, construction sites that disturb 20 or more acres at one time will be required to conduct monitoring of discharges and comply with the numeric limit. (From the Jan. 7, 2010, GBI article entitled NAHB Criticizes EPA's New Storm Water Rules for Homebuilders).

The public-comment deadline for the International Green Construction Code is Aug. 12. For additional information, visit http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/IGCC/Pages/PublicVersionDevelopment.aspx.

Starting in August 2011, construction sites that disturb 20 or more acres at one time will be required to conduct monitoring of discharges and comply with a numeric limit set forth in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's storm water rules. (From the Jan. 7, 2010, GBI article entitled "NAHB Criticizes EPA's New Storm Water Rules for Homebuilders").

SEPTEMBER

Congress is scheduled to approve fiscal 2012 appropriations bills for the Energy U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Program and other programs addressing green building activities. Although the fiscal year begins Oct. 1, congressional appropriations bills usually are not enacted until the end of the calendar year.

OCTOBER

By Oct. 1, 2011, (the beginning of the 2012 federal fiscal year), the U.S. General Services Administration expects to have installed advanced electricity meters for all of its covered buildings and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act projects. (From the Sept. 15, 2010, GBI article entitled "GSA Unveils Sustainability Performance Plan, Aims for Zero Environmental Footprint").

On Oct. 1, 2011, a comprehensive green building standard requirement for Dallas goes into effect. For all new commercial construction, all proposed projects must be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certifiable or certifiable under an equivalent green building standard at the minimum certification level. For additional information, visit website http://www.cleanairinfo.com/sustainableskylines/documents/Presentations/Track%201/Session%202%20-%20Green%20Building%20Codes%20and%20Policies/02%20-%20Basora%20Dallas%20Green%20Ordinance%20highlights.pdf.

By Oct. 1, 2011, the mayor of Washington, D.C., must propose revisions to the district's construction code that incorporate green building practices developed since the previous round of construction code revisions. For additional information, visit website http://www.greenbuildingact.com/.

NOVEMBER

In the fall of 2011, a "final action hearing" is scheduled for the International Green Construction Code. (From the Jan. 21, 2010, GBI article entitled ICC Official Reveals Schedule for Developing International Green Construction Code).

DECEMBER

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in November 2010 released draft voluntary guidelines that are designed to help communities protect the health of students and staff from environmental threats when selecting new locations for schools. The guidelines address indoor air quality, among other issues. EPA anticipates finalizing the guidelines by the end of 2011, an agency spokesperson told GBI. (From the Nov. 15, 2010, GBI article entitled "EPA Releases Draft Voluntary Guidelines for Selecting Safe School Locations, Provides New Tools for Communities Making School-Siting Decisions").

At the end of 2011, tax credits for the installation of certain green building features, including construction or renovation of green whole buildings, in Maryland are due to expire. For additional information, visit http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=MD09F&re=1&ee=1.

By the end of 2011, 3,600 properties within the Hilton Worldwide global portfolio of brands will use LightStay, which measures energy and water use and waste and carbon output at individual properties. (From the Aug. 1, 2010, GBI article entitled "Among Several Recent LEED Developments, USGBC Opens Building Performance Partnership to Current LEED-Certified Buildings").

2012

JANUARY

The final version of the International Green Construction Code will be issued in early 2012 "with a desired launch in January of that year," Mike Armstrong, the International Code Council's senior vice president for membership and outreach services, told GBI. (From the Dec. 1, 2010, GBI article entitled "At Greenbuild, Code Council Releases IGCC Public Version 2.0, Experts Offer Plethora of Observations During Sessions").

By 2012, Walmart expects to have reduced greenhouse-gas emissions at its existing store, club, and distribution center base worldwide by 20 percent (2005 baseline). For additional information, visit http://walmartstores.com/sites/sustainabilityreport/2009/en_b_achievements.html.

In Seattle, by Jan. 1, 2012, smaller buildings must begin providing the city with an annual energy benchmarking report (and, where available, an energy performance rating). For additional information, visit http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/GreenBuilding/OurProgram/PublicPolicyInitiatives/DPDP018682.asp.

Beginning Jau. 1, 2012, all privately owned non-residential and post-secondary educational facilities of at least 50,000 square feet (new construction or substantial improvements) must meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for New Construction 2.2 or LEED Core and Shell 2.0 at the certification level. For additional information, visit http://olbd.dc.gov/olbd/cwp/view,A,3,Q,639915.asp.

FEBRUARY

President Obama is expected to request fiscal 2013 appropriations for the U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Program and other federal programs that are designed, at least in part, to promote green buildings.

JUNE

By June 2012, selected pilot projects are expected to conclude their tests of a rating system of credits under the Sustainable Sites Initiative. For additional information, visit http://www.sustainablesites.org/next/.

SEPTEMBER

Congress is scheduled to approve fiscal 2013 appropriations bills for the Energy U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Program and other programs addressing green building activities. Although the fiscal year begins Oct. 1, congressional appropriations bills usually are not enacted until the end of the calendar year.

By October 2012, a project for a new green building built through the Energy Innovation Hub is expected to be completed, a project spokesperson told GBI. (From the Sept. 1, 2010, GBI article entitled "Team to Receive Up to $122 Million from DOE to Develop Technologies to Make Buildings More Energy Efficient").

NOVEMBER

The U.S. Green Building Council expects the release of its new Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system on Nov. 7, 2012, a spokesperson for the organization told GBI. (From the Nov. 15, 2010, GBI article entitled "USGBC Opens Up Proposed Update to LEED for First Public Comment"). 

DECEMBER

On Oct. 21, 2010, Siemens Ltd. announced that it would invest "around 100 million" before the end of 2012 to make its offices in India greener. For additional information, visit http://www.siemens.co.in/en/news_press/index/oct21.htm.

By the end of 2012, the University of California-Santa Barbara hopes to have 25 existing buildings certified through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Portfolio Program. (From the July 15, 2010, GBI article entitled "USGBC, Bank of America Launch Affordable Green Neighborhoods Grant Program; Other Developments Involving LEED Reported").

2013

JANUARY

A law signed in 2010 amended the Toxic Substance Control Act to establish the first national emissions standard for formaldehyde in new composite wood products and is considered the most rigorous production standard worldwide. The measure requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to develop a new federal regulation by January 2013 to implement its provision. (From the Sept. 15, 2010, GBI article entitled "New Law Expected to Reduce Interior Formaldehyde Emissions").

An Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute proposal envisions new building code provisions that, once enacted in law, would be effective in January 2013. (From an article entitled "Energy-Efficiency Advocates, Industry Recommend More Stringent Building Code Provisions for New Construction" in the November 2009 edition of GBI).

FEBRUARY

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has begun work on a courthouse in Billings, Mont., that the agency hopes will achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification. The building, scheduled for completion in early 2013. (From an article entitled "GSA Kicks Off Montana Construction Project with LEED Silver in Mind" in the November 2009 edition of GBI).

The U.S. president is expected to request fiscal 2014 appropriations for the U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Program and other federal programs that are designed, at least in part, to promote green buildings.

MAY

An Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute proposal envisions new Product Efficiency Standards, which would become effective in May for indoor furnaces. (From an article entitled "Energy-Efficiency Advocates, Industry Recommend More Stringent Building Code Provisions for New Construction" in the November 2009 edition of GBI).

JULY

Sometime during the summer of 2013, a national rating system for sustainable landscape design, construction, and maintenance is expected to be finalized. (From the July 15, 2010, GBI article entitled "Sustainable Sites Initiative Pilot Projects Launched; Officials from ASLA, U.S. Botanic Garden Provide Details During Interviews with GBI").

A law signed in 2010 amended the Toxic Substance Control Act to establish the first national emissions standard for formaldehyde in new composite wood products and is considered the most rigorous production standard worldwide. The measure requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to develop a new federal regulation to implement its provision, which will take effect in July 2013. (From the Sept. 15, 2010, GBI article entitled "New Law Expected to Reduce Interior Formaldehyde Emissions").

SEPTEMBER

Congress is scheduled to approve fiscal 2014 appropriations bills for the Energy U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Program and other programs addressing green building activities. Although the fiscal year begins Oct. 1, congressional appropriations bills usually are not enacted until the end of the calendar year.

OCTOBER

By October 2013, the five-year Energy Innovation Hub project to make buildings more energy efficient is expected to be "fully operational," a project spokesperson told GBI. (From the Sept. 1, 2010, GBI article entitled "Team to Receive Up to $122 Million from DOE to Develop Technologies to Make Buildings More Energy Efficient").

2014

FEBRUARY

Construction sites that disturb 20 or more acres at one time will be required to conduct monitoring of discharges and comply with the numeric limit. In February 2014, the monitoring requirements and numeric limit will apply to all sites that disturb 10 or more acres at one time. (From a Jan. 7, 2010, GBI article entitled "NAHB Criticizes EPA's New Storm Water Rules for Homebuilders")

In February 2014, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency stormwater rules will require monitoring and set a numeric limit for home construction sites that disturb 10 or more acres at one time. (From the Jan. 7, 2010, GBI article entitled "NAHB Criticizes EPA's New Storm Water Rules for Homebuilders").

The U.S. president is expected to request fiscal 2015 appropriations for the U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Program and other federal programs that are designed, at least in part, to promote green buildings.

SEPTEMBER

Congress is scheduled to approve fiscal 2015 appropriations bills for the Energy U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Program and other programs addressing green building activities. Although the fiscal year begins Oct. 1, congressional appropriations bills usually are not enacted until the end of the calendar year.

OCTOBER

It was announced in in October 2010 that researchers at the University of Pittsburgh would embark on a four-year, $2-million federally funded project to revamp sustainable construction by investigating "the true environmental presence" of current green buildings and redesigning the scientific method that guides sustainable construction. The four-year project is expected to conclude in October 2014. (From the Nov. 1, 2010, GBI article entitled "Researchers To Lead $2-Million Effort to Improve Green Construction").

By Oct. 1, 2014 (the beginning of the 2015 federal fiscal year), the U.S. General Services Administration expects to have reduced facility energy intensity by 30 percent from a FY'03 baseline. (From the Sept. 15, 2010, GBI article entitled "GSA Unveils Sustainability Performance Plan, Aims for Zero Environmental Footprint").

DECEMBER

By 2015, Marriot hopes to have expanded its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design portfolio to about 300 properties. (From the July 15, 2010, GBI article entitled "USGBC, Bank of America Launch Affordable Green Neighborhoods Grant Program; Other Developments Involving LEED Reported").

2015

JANUARY

An Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute proposal envisions that new Product Efficiency Standards would become effective in January 2015 for air-conditioners and outdoor ("weatherized") furnaces. (From the Jan. 7, 2010, GBI article entitled NAHB Criticizes EPA's New Storm Water Rules for Homebuilders)

FEBRUARY

The U.S. president is expected to request fiscal 2016 appropriations for the U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Program and other federal programs that are designed, at least in part, to promote green buildings.

SEPTEMBER

Congress is scheduled to approve fiscal 2016 appropriations bills for the Energy U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Program and other programs addressing green building activities. Although the fiscal year begins Oct. 1, congressional appropriations bills usually are not enacted until the end of the calendar year.

OCTOBER

By October 2015, a research team led by Pennsylvania State University is scheduled to finish a five-year Energy Innovation Hub project to make buildings more energy efficient. (From the Sept. 1, 2010, GBI article entitled "Team to Receive Up to $122 Million from DOE to Develop Technologies to Make Buildings More Energy Efficient").

DECEMBER

By 2016, there is expected to be a tenfold increase in installed capacity for building-integrated photovoltaics and building-applied PV from 2010's level. The cleantech market intelligence firm Pike Research believes the growth will stem from changing market dynamics. (From the Oct. 1, 2010, GBI article entitled "Installed Capacity for Building-Integrated Photovoltaics Expected to Surge").

2016

FEBRUARY

The U.S. president is expected to request fiscal 2017 appropriations for the U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Program and other federal programs that are designed, at least in part, to promote green buildings.

SEPTEMBER

Congress is scheduled to approve fiscal 2017 appropriations bills for the Energy U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Program and other programs addressing green building activities. Although the fiscal year begins Oct. 1, congressional appropriations bills usually are not enacted until the end of the calendar year.

2017

JANUARY

The American Institute of Architect's B101 Committee, which addresses opportunities to save energy in the built environment, every 10 years updates a new standard/contract in this area. The last standard/contract was published in 2007.

FEBRUARY

The U.S. president is expected to request fiscal 2018 appropriations for the U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Program and other federal programs that are designed, at least in part, to promote green buildings.

SEPTEMBER

Congress is scheduled to approve fiscal 2018 appropriations bills for the Energy U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Program and other programs addressing green building activities. Although the fiscal year begins Oct. 1, congressional appropriations bills usually are not enacted until the end of the calendar year.