Energy & Environmental Retrofits to Buildings

Consider engaging with the LEED for Cities program, or incorporating some of the program’s recommended green building policies and incentives into city policy. Lead by Example with city owned buildings • Register and certify existing buildings above 5000 square feet that are owned and/or operated by the local government or development authority to LEED, EDGE or an equivalent green building rating system. • Adopt policy for all new construction undertaken by the city government or community local authority to achieve LEED or an equivalent green building certification. Incentives • Provide expedited review or permitting processes to buildings achieving certification. • Provide density or height bonus allowing for percentage increases in Floor Area Ratio or other measures of density contingent upon certification. • Provide tax credits for buildings achieving certification. • Provide permitting fee reduction or waivers for buildings achieving certification. More detail see: https://www.usgbc.org/leed/rating-systems/leed-for-cities-communities If certification is deemed too high of a bar, provide incentives for the desired level of engagement, such as targeted energy conservation measures. Where programs or incentives already exist, make an effort to educate the local community on these opportunities including guidance on how to engage. See here for some examples: https://www.c40knowledgehub.org/s/article/The-supportive-programmes-your-city-needs-to-drive-toward-zero-carbon-buildings?language=en_US