GYR Tips for the Whole Building

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South Florida is one of the most popular places to relocate and, as a result, we have a steady influx of residents who may not be familiar with the particulars of living in a semi-tropical climate.

	City of Fort Lauderdale Department of Sustainable Development – Building Services Division DSD Building Services Division is our neighbors’ source for information on building, renovating or otherwise improving structures of all kinds within in our City. The Sustainable Development Center, located at 700 NW 19th Avenue, provides services for building-related activities, including planning, zoning, inspections, permitting, fire plan review, landscaping, public records and building services, and is a great source of information and advice on improving the performance of your building. Our local Code of Ordinances for Buildings and Construction can be accessed through MuniCode.

	Broward County Go Green Each County has the right and ability to review and amend state code so that it can be implemented effectively within jurisdictions. In addition to fulfilling its responsibilities, Broward County has implemented a number of programs to encourage green building and to expedite permitting for certain environmentally-friendly or conservation features. Examples include the GoSolar program and Conservation Pays. This is a weblink to the Energy Sense portion of the Broward County Go Green site. There you can access great information on green construction and rebate programs. In addition, check here for the Broward County Amendments to the Florida Building Code

	Florida Building Code The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation publishes the Florida Building Code. The latest code (2010 edition) became effective in March of 2012 and includes new Energy Conservation elements. The charge of the new code is to conserve 20% more energy than was mandated in the 2006 code and to raise the standard to 30%. Browse, search through or print Florida Building Codes at this weblink.

	Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) The Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) is a “nonprofit Florida corporation dedicated to improving the built environment. [Their] mission is to provide a statewide green building program that defines, promotes, and encourages sustainable efforts with environmental and economic benefits." FGBC is a membership-based organization. The City of Fort Lauderdale is a member, and has been named a gold level Certified Florida Local Green Government. FGBC publishes numerous useful resources and offers educational opportunities to industry professionals and consumers, as well as to our and other government staff. These include five Green Building Standards, the annual GreenTrends Conference, directories for finding green products and professionals, and listings of FGBC certified projects. This weblink goes to their resources for consumers, and includes green home brochures, guides and checklists, as well as a link to the comprehensive FGBC Green Home Standard.

	US Green Building Council (USGBC)– South Florida Chapter The mission of the South Florida Chapter of the USGBC is to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated, to enable a sustainable, socially responsible, healthy and prosperous environment in which people can live, work, learn and play. In 2013, the City of Fort Lauderdale was named a “Most Outstanding Green Government” by South Florida Chapter of USGBC because of our progressive initiatives and overall commitment to sustainability. The weblink listed here goes to the portion of their website on Residential Green Building which has resources for everything from simple “green” improvements to full LEED® for Homes certification. You can use the site to find a Green Rater (to help you evaluate your home) and to see inspirational profiles of local LEED® certified homes.

	Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) The FSEC is an excellent source of information on energy conservation in Florida. Not solely focused on solar, this research consortium was established by the Florida Legislature in 1975. Their mission is to “research and develop energy technologies that enhance Florida's and the nation's economy and environment and to educate the public, students and practitioners on the results of the research.” This link accesses frequently asked questions related to cooling your home, and from there you can access their comprehensive Energy-Efficient Florida Home Building Manual.