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Green Building Resources

The following page contains links to national and local websites that can be used to facilitate the growth of the green building industry in the Long Beach area. This list will remain a work in progress as the adoption of green building practices and materials continue to grow in our area. The City of Long Beach may not be held liable for the contents of the referenced website nor the inclusion and/or omission of webpages in this list.

Building Codes and Standards

  • Advanced Buildings 
    A building professional's guide to more than 90 environmentally-appropriate technologies and practices. Architects, engineers and buildings managers can improve the energy and resource efficiency of commercial, industrial and multi-unit residential buildings through the use of the technologies and practices described in this web site.
  • Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES 4.0) - Updated 12/15 
    The BEES (Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability) software brings to your fingertips a powerful technique for selecting cost-effective, environmentally-preferable building products.
  • Concrete Network 
    Earth's largest directory of concrete services
  • GreenGuard (interior products emissions testing)

      The GREENGUARD Certification ProgramSM is an independent, third-party testing program for low-emitting products and materials. Access to the GREENGUARD Product Guide, an indoor air quality (IAQ) resource, is provided at no charge. The guide features products, which are regularly tested to ensure that their chemical and particle emissions meet acceptable IAQ pollutant guidelines and standards.

  • Greenroofs.com 
    Use our online directory to locate green roof professionals and materials in your area or the world.
  • GreenSpec 
    GreenSpec is BuildingGreen's premiere product information service. It contains detailed listings for more than 1,800 environmentally preferable building products with descriptions, manufacturer information, and links to additional resources.
  • Sustainable Design Resource Guide
  • Build It Green 
    partnering with public agencies, building industry professionals, manufacturers, suppliers, and non-profits, Build It Green offers education and training, unbiased product information, technical assistance, and networking opportunities. Build It Green links consumers, building professionals, and green product manufacturers.  Build It Green is building its presence in Southern California and is currently working towards adoption of a state-wide voluntary residential green building standard.
  • American Indoor Air Quality Council
  • American Solar Energy Society
  • Architects, Designers and Planners for Social Responsibility (ADPSR): 
    Established in 1981, Architects / Designers / Planners for Social Responsibility (ADPSR) works for peace, environmental protection, ecological building, social justice, and the development of healthy communities.
  • Business for Social Responsibility (BSR): 
    BSR equips its member companies with the expertise to design and implement successful, socially responsible business policies, practices and processes.
  • Climate Action Network (CAN): 
    A worldwide network of over 340 Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) working to promote government and individual action to limit human-induced climate change to ecologically sustainable levels.
  • Community Greenhouse Foundation: 
    The Foundation acts as a service management clearinghouse for the professionals, materials, and vendors on a green project.
  • Congress for the New Urbanism: 
    a Chicago-based non-profit organization that was founded in 1993. We work with architects, developers, planners, and others involved in the creation of cities and towns, teaching them how to implement the principles of the New Urbanism.
  • Construction Materials Recycling Association: 
    The first association devoted exclusively to the needs of the rapidly expanding North American construction waste & demolition debris processing and recycling industry.
  • National Association of the Remodeling Industry: 
    (NARI) -- NARI provides a "Certified Remodeler" designation to identify remodelers that are aware of green building.
  • Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS): 
    Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) is a nonprofit scientific and educational organization that serves as an advocate for conservation professionals and for science-based conservation practice, programs, and policy.
  • Sustainable Buildings Industry Council (SBIC): 
    SBIC is an independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance the design, affordability, energy performance, and environmental soundness of America's buildings.
  • Urban Ecology: 
    Urban Ecology was founded in 1975 by visionary architects and activists who believed that cities should serve both people and nature. From the beginning, Urban Ecology has used urban planning, ecology, and public participation to help design and build healthier cities.
  • US Green Building Council: 
    The U.S. Green Building Council is the nation’s foremost coalition of leaders from across the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work.
  • World Green Building Council: 
    The World Green Building Council, together with it's members (made up of Green Building Councils from around the world) is committed to changing the property industry, those who produce, develop, plan, design, build, alter, or maintain the built environment, and includes building materials manufacturers and suppliers as well as clients and end use occupiers.

Residential Green Building

  • Green Guide to New Construction
    No longer a niche building technique, many home owners and contractors now embrace green building. Check out this resource book to learn the latest in new green materials and techniques for new home construction.
  • Green Remodeling Workbook
    This short guide, prepared by Alameda County, provides detailed information about readily available residential green building materials and techniques.
  • Be Water Wise
    This website provides information about rebates for water efficient appliances and landscaping systems, as well as sustainable landscaping advise.
  • LA County Smart Gardening Guide
    Using the technique of Smart Gardening is an easy way to get a really great looking yard while using less water, energy and wasting fewer resources. Learn the latest in composting, water wise gardening and use of native plants.
  • Long Beach Green Landscaping Tips
    Tips for sustainable gardening and landscaping practices at your home or business.

Building & Safety Bureau

562.570.PMIT (7648)

411 W. Ocean Blvd., 2nd Floor
Long Beach, CA 90802

M: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
T: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
W: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
TH: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
F: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

The Permit Center is closed daily for lunch from Noon to 1 p.m.

411 West Ocean Blvd., 3rd Floor

Long Beach, CA 90802

562.570.LBCD (5223)

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