Alameda County is preparing to adopt "green" building standards for new or remodeled residential projects over 1,000 square feet and commercial or industrial developments larger than 3,000 square feet.

The requirements, now being introduced at community meetings, will be enforced in unincorporated areas such as Ashland, Castro Valley, Cherryland, Fairview, San Lorenzo and Sunol, and address the types of materials that can be used, building and landscape designs, and water and energy use.

County supervisors are expected later this year to review and approve the new building standards, which would be effective in January 2009, or possibly earlier.

Regulations establish "a starting point, with very minimal requirements," said Bill Lepere, the county's deputy public works director.

"Following the minimum requirements will not add much in expenses" and will provide ongoing savings in energy and water costs, he explained.