Fresh Loaf

Interesting news coming out of Doraville:

Starting February 2009, the city will require all private developments more than 20,000 square feet to be LEED certified. Municipal buildings will have to meet the program’s standards regardless of size.

“With the GM plant redevelopment and so many other revitalization opportunities on the horizon, this is a big step in making sure that we attract high quality developers,” Mayor Ray Jenkins said in a press release.

Neighboring Chamblee passed the same ordinance earlier this year. The two cities are the only ones in the Southeast that require sustainable and energy-efficient buildings within their limits.

“Buildings are second only to transportation in energy consumption,” said Mayor Pro Tem Bob Roche. “Passage of the LEED ordinance will promote profitable buildings in Doraville that are energy efficient, environmentally responsible, and healthy places to live, work and play. My fellow council members, the mayor and our citizens deserve a lot of credit supporting this endeavor.”

Trash talk can be taken as a good sign for the environment — at least when it’s between competitors on the trade-show floor at the annual Greenprints conference on sustainable building.

And all it took was a little prodding.

“Geothermal cannot get you a good return,” Jay Sampat, who manufacturers solar water-heating panels, declared when asked why someone should select solar over the competing technology of geothermal heat pumps.

Humbug, geothermal installer Kenny Libby shot back when told what Sampat said: “Those poor, poor solar guys.”

All of which makes Atlanta’s lead pied piper for green building somewhat happy. “That is great. … It’s the free market system,” the Southface Energy Institute’s Dennis Creech said last week during the conference at the Westin Peachtree Plaza. He notes that one in 10 new commercial projects now seeks eco-certification, when only a few years ago green building usually was considered just a “demonstration project.” “This is not just a movement. This is now a smart way of doing business.”

The meeting displayed loads of cool devices designed not only to save the world but also to get green-geeks like me excited. And it was truly startling to witness dozens of presentations from green builders who literally are changing Atlanta’s landscape daily.

Above: TOILET TALK: Denise Grimm (left) grabs a card from Andrea Paulinelli of Eco Transitions. Paulinelli was at Greenprints to extol her water-efficient commodes. Photo shot by: Joeff Davis