Novi Gets Green With Some Common Sense

9/26/07

Earlier this week, the Novi City Council approved a resolution supporting "green buildings" in Novi. This was a fine example of progressive, common sense thinking.

Green buildings are said to reduce energy costs while being more environmentally. Locally, only Auburn Hills and Ann Arbor are already on the "green building" bandwagon. We suspect many more municipalities will be soon.

As Mayor Landry explained at the meeting, the resolution and recommendations proposed are voluntary and it's up to the builders to decide if they want to comply with them. In other words, it must make economic sense for private industry to adopt the city's recommendations. The city even asked key local developers what they thought of the whole thing before it was approved.

Now there's some common sense.

The resolution clearly states that the city itself will comply with green buildings standards - to the extent it is financially and operationally feasible.

More common sense.

We the People are very pleased with the way the "green buildings" matter was handled in Novi. This is exactly what local government should be doing. Novi establishes itself as progressive and environmentally friendly, while at the same time not alienating anyone.

Kudos to city administration and council for the way this one was handled. It looks like a win-win, for the city, the People and business too. What a concept!

p.s. - The city did and will spend how much to
        change the city's logo - by putting a box
        around it?