Washington, D.C. was named the first LEED for Cities Platinum city in the world by the U.S. Green Building Council last month.
Today, 65% of D.C. neighborhoods are walkable, 58% of commuter trips are by bike, walking, or public transit, and the D.C. government is 100% powered by renewable energy. D.C. is also on track to derive at least one-half of its electricity from renewable resources by 2032.
Launched last year, LEED for Cities enables cities to measure and communicate performance, focusing on outcomes from ongoing sustainability efforts across an array of metrics, including energy, water, waste, transportation, and human experience (which includes education, prosperity, equity, and health and safety). LEED for Cities projects benchmark and track performance using Arc, a digital platform that uses data to provide greater transparency into sustainability efforts and helps cities make more informed decisions, according to a USGBC news release.
D.C. has entered into one of the largest municipal onsite solar projects in the U.S., and completed the largest wind power purchase agreement deal by an American city. The city has also launched Sustainable DC 2.0, a comprehensive city policy statement, and signed a pledge to uphold the commitments in the Paris Climate Accord.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jul 15, 2020
Georgia gives the go-ahead for tall mass timber construction
Standards review scheduled to be completed by July 2021.
Codes and Standards | Jul 15, 2020
Softwood-lumber duties boost expenses amid COVID-19 outbreak
Little hope this year for resolution of trade dispute with Canada.
Codes and Standards | Jul 14, 2020
Metal Construction Assn. releases three EPD updates
Pertain to Metal Composite Materials, Insulated Metal Panels, and Roll Formed Aluminum and Steel Cladding.
Codes and Standards | Jul 13, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: July 13, 2020
4 technologies for improving building sanitation and tech's ever-evolving impact on the multifamily space.
Codes and Standards | Jul 9, 2020
Funding opportunity for field validation of high-impact building technologies
Dept. of Energy program targets dynamic interactions with electric grid.
Codes and Standards | Jul 8, 2020
Standards for reducing risk of COVID-19 in senior living communities
AIA releases strategies and illustrations for the sector.
Codes and Standards | Jul 6, 2020
Guide presents benefits of public-private partnerships
Discusses process from project conception to construction.
Codes and Standards | Jul 1, 2020
COVID-19 public health guidelines may be downplaying building systems solutions
Emphasis on cleaning surfaces overlooks importance of mechanical infrastructure.
Codes and Standards | Jun 30, 2020
WELL building institute steps up health safety rating for hotels and resorts
Certification body forms advisory group of industry leaders and health experts.
Codes and Standards | Jun 30, 2020
7 must reads for the AEC industry today: June 30, 2020
Affordable housing comes to the Bay Area and this is not the end of cities.
