The British Columbia village of Saanich has passed a measure that will make it easier for developers building energy-efficient projects to get approval. Green builders will also receive building permit fee rebates.
"The municipality will give priority to applications for housing projects using energy-efficient components and provide those builders rebates of up to 30 per cent on building-permit fees. The program could be up and running in six weeks."
"Saanich will also designate an employee to serve as an energy adviser, directing builders to available green rebate programs and in many cases even filling out the applications for them."
"'If you say to the builder 'it's free money and we'll do the paperwork,' there's absolutely nothing for them to lose,' said Mayor Frank Leonard."
Read the full story: Saanich sweetens pot for building 'green'
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