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SKETCH_PAD © Press Release |
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Catalyst's Matt Ackerman & Elizabeth Lassuy Create "Local Code Initiative"  PRESCOTT, AZ-
Catalyst Architecture's Matt Ackerman and Elizabeth Lassuy, along with
Michael Frerking of Living Systems Architecture, working under the
umbrella of the American Institute of Architects Grand Canyon Chapter
of COTE (Committee on the Environment), have begun the work of an
informal facilitation group– Local Code Initiative (LCI). The LCI
group has formed to help local officials consider their leadership role
in ‘greening’
local planning and zoning ordinances and building
codes. Working Locally The LCI Group will be working with local contractors, sub-contrators, vendors, code officials, as well as others involved in the industry to help identifiy specific areas within the codes that are blocking the implementation of sustainable planning and/or building practices. The LCI group is also drawning upon the guidance and experience of the City of Scottsdale's Anthony Floyd– a pioneer in the field of sustainable code reform, and current director of the City of Scottsdales Green Building Program. Yavapai County Commissioner Tom Reilly, approached the LCI with the intention of identifying code blocks at the county level. Yavapai County joins a growing number of jurisdictions that wish to partner with the many community members who seek greater local economic, environmental, and social responsibility. Because Yavapai County spans several climate zones and eco-systems, county officials recognize the need for flexible application of codes/ordinances that respect specific regional, local, and micro-climatic conditions. An Incremental Approach Initially it is thought that this process will take the form of a few specific code modifications that will facilitate the application of basic green building practices such as grey water systems, waterless urinals, un-vented attics, ‘advanced framing’ techniques, renewable energy systems, and other specific target areas that the LCI group has identified. This incremental approach to making specific, practical recommendations for consideration and implementation into local codes/ordinances is a way to create an opening for understanding and partnership which maintains trust in the established code processes (primarily the 2003 IRC & IBC) and works within existing department budgets and missions. Yavapai County officials also see this as a potential platform from which to influence ‘green’ development within their region at the city level– encouraging Prescott, Prescott Valley, Sedona, Cottonwood, Camp Verde and other municipalities to further move into their own leadership role pertaining to sustainability. DCAT & County Officials Upon hearing about the LCI's initiative and Yavapai County official’s intentions, Green-to-Gold member and Prescott College Director of Marketing Mary Lin facilitated an informal gathering of interested parties at Prescott College last Thursday, which included Yavapai County Commissioners (Thomas Reilly, Gene Kirkham & William "Tex" Province), local architects, contractors, representatives from the City of Prescott, as well as David Eisenberg and Anthony Novelli from the Development Center for Appropriate Technology (DCAT). DCAT is a Tucson based non-profit organization devoted to creating a cooperative platform for addressing the institutional barriers to sustainablity. DCAT has been a pioneering force in greening codes and ordinances throughout the country and internationally. They have been working with code officials throughout the US and abroad for over ten years to help facilitate sustainable development. DCAT has made great strides in this work and has become a clear and effective voice creating arenas of cooperation and understanding previous thought unachievable. An Inspirational Partnership The recent gathering of local Yavapai County commissioners, builders, designers, and community organizations exemplifies the great potential in partnering. In David Eisenberg’s article; Leading the Way: Building Departments as Community Resources for Better Building Practices, he writes “The diversity of interests that have come together to make these programs work is inspirational, and perhaps the first and most important lesson to learn from each example is the “can-do” attitude that continues to drive this country’s greatest achievements. With respect to the departments and personnel involved, this constitutes neither an abandonment of basic responsibilities nor an expansion of regulatory authority. Instead, it demonstrates a deeper and more mature understanding of what is truly required to safeguard public health, safety, and welfare for current and future generations: looking beyond the limits of just keeping bad things from happening by enabling good things to happen.” Because the LCI group recognizes that other jurisdictions and organizations have done much pioneering work around ‘greening’ communities, we are looking to extend the efforts with Yavapai County, and other local jursidictions to find effective leverage points that can assist elected officials, government administrators, and staff, who are committed to finding new ways to contribute through their leadership to local (and in effect global) environmental and economic health. More on this to come… Suggested links: Development Center For Appropriate Technology AIA Committee On The Environment Scottsdale Green Building Program US Green Building Council National Association of Home Builders International Code Council |
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