Jetson Green is running an article on a new skyscraper going up in Chicago. One paragraph in particular caught my eye:
There’s an interesting side-story to 300 North LaSalle: it received a building permit in 30 days. That’s pretty incredible. Chicago has a Green Permit Program provides for increased flexibility and shorter permitting times based on the greenness of the design. Developers submit LEED registration as part of the building permit review process, and they’re required to commit to certain green features. Here, Hines committed to LEED certification, with a design that included a green roof. Additionally, upon completion, the developer is required to submit proof of LEED certification within 180 days or risk fee reimbursement or permit revocation. On the flip side, if you’re committed to LEED design, you can get moving quickly without all the red tape and politics can cost developers big money.
There’s nothing like the promise of significantly less red tape to get folks to do the right thing, yes?