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A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR MALLOY The LEED program encourages construction of environmentally friendly, healthy, and economical buildings. The rating system is based on elements including choice of site, water efficiency, energy efficiency, and the kinds of materials used, and awards points on a scale that includes “Certified,” “Silver,” “Gold” and “Platinum” levels. Stamford has recognized the value of green buildings for some time. We are currently negotiating inclusion of LEED standards with developers on several large commercial projects. The first building in Stamford to include the standards will be the Interdistrict Environmental Magnet School, which is in design. It will at a minimum meet the Silver standard, but may meet the Gold. The design includes a green roof, solar photovoltaic panels, a wind turbine and weather station, air conditioning with ice storage, and interior day lighting controls.Incorporating green design into schools can provide annual energy savings of 20-40%. More important is the resultant improvement of indoor air quality – an especially important benefit considering asthma rates in Connecticut. For children under 18 years of age, the asthma rate is 8.9%, and asthma is the leading cause of school absenteeism. The standards eliminate irritants in commercial products and building materials. In addition to indoor air quality, LEED standards give consideration to light quality by orienting buildings to optimize natural day lighting. Access to daylight has been shown to improve test scores for children in math and reading.
The Sustainable Development Design Standards Ordinance is part of Stamford’s ongoing leadership in energy efficiency and environmental initiatives, which include the following:
- 2003: I issued a proclamation establishing the City of Stamford’s participation in ICLEI’s Cities for Climate Protection Campaign, with the goal of 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2018;
- 2005: The Board of Representatives approved a resolution to join the 20% by 2010 Campaign, committing the City to have 20% of its energy supply come from clean, renewable energy sources by 2010;
- 2005: Clean-Air Cool Planet recognized the comprehensiveness of our Local Action Plan by presenting me with a 2005 Climate Champion Award at their Global Warming Solution 2005 Conference;
- 2006: The City of Stamford was recognized as one of Connecticut’s “Clean Energy Communities” by the CT Clean Energy Fund and SmartPower for the over 44 energy efficiency projects that had been implemented in Stamford since 1998. Through grants and rebates, the projects brought over $1.7M into the City. Some of the projects included energy efficient traffic signal systems and energy efficient decorative lighting downtown;
- 2007: Under my guidance, four employees and ten community and business leaders joined together to form a “Sustainable Stamford” taskforce to address energy efficiency and other environmental issues.
I want to thank all City staff for their efforts in finding innovative ways to conserve energy and especially thank Nancy Domiziano, our dedicated Energy and Utility Manager in our Engineering Department, who has led the way in implementing the abovementioned energy saving initiatives. I look forward to continuing to find ways to make our community a healthy place to live and work. |