What happens when a city steps in to make a big, green move? We already touched on the fee for using plastic bags, but what about something more permanent, like solar paneling. . . Read below the jump to find out what's happening in one European city.
News: Solar Power Ordinance
Blogging the New York Times
Marburg, Germany, has found itself asking the question, "Just how far will we make our citizens go for the environment?" The city council is now requiring solar panels on all new buildings--as well as older ones undergoing renovation. As far as we could tell, there are no monetary credits or breaks available for homeowners who put panels on their homes, but there is a fine if they don't follow the new ordinance.
While this seems a fantastic leap toward better stewardship, it also has critics who say that it's simply too expensive to require this of builders and remodelers.
What steps has your city taken to tread more lightly on the earth? Do you agree with Marburg's decision? Would these type of requirements prevent you from adding on to your home, or encourage you?
Photo: Rolf Oeser for The New York Times
Comments (5)
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More big government at work... I'm so sick of this
view ronzorelli's profile
I actually think this is great. I mean, we alrea
view hughbert's profile
I actually think this is great. I mean, we already have a bunch of regulations about building houses. Where I live, this now includes things like rainwater tanks and dual flush toilets. A house should be as sustainable as possible, and without some form of regulation this will be the exception rather than the norm. Ramping up solar panels means more development money going towards the solar industry which will provide cheaper and better technology longer term, not to mention less power plant emissions. And one more of the "hidden" elements about the house (its power consumption) is exposed. Yes, there is some expense. Maybe this will cause houses to be a tiny bit smaller to compensate, which might not be a bad thing anyway?
view hughbert's profile
I would dearly love to put in solar panels. I can't afford it. The city I live in could make it the law nine ways from Sunday, and I *still* couldn't afford it.
view Eucritta's profile
Maybe new houses, but not renovations. We just renovated, and our electric bill last month was $17! We incorporated a lot of energy saving features, but solar panels would have broken our bank. At the going rate it would take decades for us to make that pay.
view SFGail's profile