Montgomery County Maryland Green Building Requirements

Just in case you didn't know, Montgomery County requires all new County funded buildings to acheive at least a LEED Silver rating. Here is a quote from their website:

"Montgomery County, Division of Building Design and Construction is committed to providing leadership which will foster conservation, protection and improvement of the environment by planning, designing, constructing and maintaining buildings that are energy efficient, environmentally friendly and resource-efficient.

Montgomery County Green Buildings Law

In April 25, 2006 a bill was introduced, enacted Nov. 28, 2006 and become effective March 1, 2007 that requires the following for County built or funded buildings:

• Achieve at least a LEED-certified rating, or the equivalent, if its design is initially funded in the capital budget in Fiscal Year 2008. If its design is initially funded in Fiscal Year 2009 or later, a County-built or -funded building must achieve a LEED-silver or equivalent rating.
• If a County-built or -funded building is not included in the capital budget, the building must achieve a LEED-silver rating or the equivalent if its building permit application is filed on or after either one year after the Council approves the implementing regulations; or  September 1, 2008, whichever occurs first. 
• To view the regulations, please visit the Department of Permitting Services.

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System was developed by the United State Green Buildings Council (USGBC). It identifies criteria that positively impact the energy and environmental characteristics of a building, including sustainability of a site, water efficiency, energy efficiency, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality."

(http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgtmpl.asp?url=/content/DGS/DBDC/Index.asp)