Standards, criteria

Borough Council is going to consider a series and standards of criteria for development that could make the construction of new buildings energy-efficient in West Chester.

The standards that council will discuss during its work session Tuesday include requiring buildings above 45 feet tall to recieve an Energy Star rating. Energy Star is a federal program done through the Department of Enviormental Protection (EPA). It requires that developers meet certain guidelines to recieve the rating. Energy Star qualified homes include a variety of features, such as efficient heating and cooling equipment, high performance windows and tight construction.

Council, of course, could decide to send the whole issue back to the committee level, but council members serving on the committee, as well as Borough Manager Ernie McNeely, seemed at least impressed with the Energy Star idea.

We'll see what happens.