Suburban Green Building

Last week I wrote about options for financing residential solar installations. Homeowners looking at potential solar projects must weigh the upfront costs with the long-term energy and financial savings. Twin Cities suburban governments are making the same types of decisions. City officials are weighing the costs of geothermal heating systems, solar installations, innovative stormwater management, and material reuse.

The upside for residents, other than potentially lower property taxes if city energy costs decrease, is a better understanding by city officials of green building techniques. My city council and planning commission wrestle with updates to city ordinances, trying to decide what the codes should allow. Their work on municipal projects will make it easier for all of us to get building permits and learn from the experience of our city inspectors.

-Chris, Green