Construction companies working on government projects would be given a list of environmental codes while companies working on private sector construction projects would be granted rewards for environmentally conscious building, according to a new plan proposed by Construction and Housing Minister Itzhak Herzog Monday.

"We need to think of future generations," said Herzog. "The need for 'green construction' in Israel is a serious concern for this ministry."

Herzog's plan calls for coordination between his ministry and the Ministry of the Environment, to set up an environmental code of standards for the industry. All construction companies performing construction work for the government would have to adhere to the standards under Herzog's plan.

Among their goals, said a spokeswoman for Herzog's ministry, was that homes be built with non-toxic materials and with better water and electricity conservation techniques. Herzog also expressed concern for Israel's landscapes.

"In Israel there are numerous building and expansion projects in areas with landscapes and habitats we hope to preserve," said Herzog, listing the Hermon and Carmel mountains as two such areas.

In the past, several environmental groups have accused the government of being "ignorant" of environmental issues in Israel. Herzog stressed that he comes from an environmentally conscious background and hopes to make the issue a priority in coming months.

"The need for environmental sanctions stems from the growth in building and development and the consequent lack of land," said Herzog.

A spokeswoman for the ministry added that the government hoped to undertake many "green" building projects in the future, and was currently working towards improving coordination of such projects.

j.post, Sep. 5, 2005 23:52 | Updated Sep. 6, 2005 6:19