A Green Mega Mansion?

Approved plans for a 10,000 square foot mansion in Berkeley, California have been classified "green" by the city's environmental rating system. Neighbors and environmentalists, however, say the house is hardly an environmental model.

1 minute read

March 12, 2010, 9:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg

Locals in left-leaning Berkeley have blasted the home as little more than a greenwash.

"When the house won planning approval earlier this year, many neighbors were surprised - not so much by the size of the house, or by its sleek design, but by the fact that, under Berkeley regulations, the house will qualify as "green." In Berkeley, building proposals are evaluated on a "green point" scale, earning credit for such eco-conscious features as low-flow shower heads and insulation. A house with more than 60 points is labeled green, regardless of its size.

Gary Earl Parsons, a Berkeley architect and a member of that city's Landmarks Preservation Commission, called the designation of the Kapor house as green 'absurd.'"

FULL STORY: How Green Is My Mansion?

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 in The New York Times

Architecture Energy Environment Government / Politics California Green Building Berkeley Greenwashing Mansions View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Get 25% Off Your Subscription

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.