Code Would Force More Green Building Designs in Houston

published Apr 30, 2008
Code Would Force More Green Building Designs in Houston
Houston builders will have to incorporate "green" design techniques such as heat-trapping vestibules and "cool roofs" that deflect sunlight under a proposed new energy code for commercial buildings.

The City Council could pass the new code for commercial buildings today.

A new residential code also is being developed and could come before the council next month.

Houston adopted its first energy codes in 2002 in response to a state mandate.

This would be the first update, and it is decidedly more "green" than its predecessor.