I don't. It was two years ago based on the number of trees in the city of Houston as compared to other cities. We don't have much "greenspace," which is exactly what the above story is referencing. That definitely is a problem, which is one of the really good reasons for more parks like this one.
Anyone who's looked out at Houston from a high-rise Downtown should agree with you, Jeff, if it's based on the number of trees. I'm pleased as punch with the park, and hope we can expand our park system much, much more. While they're at it, some zoning would be nice.
In 2004 Mayor White urged the city to get greener and use LEED certification on new city buildings. http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2004/06/28/newscolumn3.html City takes LEED in considering green building requirements Houston Business Journal - June 25, 2004 by Jenna Colley Houston Business Journal Houston Mayor Bill White may have set the tone when he opted for an energy-efficient smart car instead of the gas-guzzling sedan that transported predecessor Lee Brown around town. Now, the City of Houston is showing signs of growing environmental awareness by encouraging "green building" practices in the construction of city structures. For several months, the city has been working with Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit the United States Green Building Council to determine the feasibility of Houston implementing a municipality-wide certification that would require contractors erecting city buildings to adhere to environmentally responsible guidelines. The buzzword of choice is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification, or LEED, a rating system devised by the nonprofit that is quickly becoming the national standard for certifying whether a project is ecologically friendly or not. The certification relies on a points-based rating system, with 69 points being the highest and 29 being the lowest. The city has already begun writing this type of eco-friendly certification requirement into its request for qualifications on city projects. Four local LEED-certified projects are already under way, including the Westside Police Station, the new Downtown Fire Superstation, the South Post Oak Multi-Service Center and Library and a vehicle maintenance facility. City planners are hoping these projects will demonstrate how city buildings can curb Houston's reputation as a non-environmentally conscious city, not to mention general quality of life issues for patrons of the structures. City officials are pushing to require that the LEED certification be a standard for new or replacement facilities and for major renovations of city-owned buildings and facilities spanning more than 10,000 square feet. The new requirement will bring Houston in line with Austin and Dallas, both of which have already implemented green building practices. Texas as a whole is active in terms of LEED buildings. Houston Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council
not bad. sounds distinctive. truth be told, there was no way any name selected would pass BBS muster.
That's true. I was just kidding around. It sounds strange and hokey, but I'm sure it'll eventually grow on me, like "Texans"... oh wait....
