Building Codes Assistance Project

Through the National Association of Counties (NACo) Green Government Initiative, the association has launched a "Green Counties" Searchable Database of counties implementing pro-environment and energy efficient practices, policies and programs.

The database contains copies of county policies, program descriptions, case studies, job descriptions, resolutions and more. Users can search by keyword, state, county size, type of document or issue areas such as climate change, green buildings, renewable energy, land use, purchasing and waste management to learn about their programs and initiatives.

Through the database, for example, a user would learn that San Bernardino County, Calif. waives building permit fees where solar panels, wind turbines or tankless water heaters are installed and gives priority planning review to builders meeting the state's green builder standards.

For more information, visit www.greencounties.org or email Kelly Zonderwyk.