Officials decided Tuesday to pursue an ordinance that would require future county buildings to be more environmentally friendly.

"It really is where everyone is moving," Councilwoman Jenny Wilson said.

For now, the County Council has pledged only to draft the statute. But backers hope to compel the county to abide by the standards of the U.S. Green Building Council for new construction.

That could mean more solar panels, larger windows and fewer solvents in county buildings. It also could mean more bicycle racks, water-efficient plumbing and cleaner indoor air.

The bipartisan measure - co-sponsored by Republican Jeff Allen and Democrat Wilson, a Salt Lake City mayoral contender - comes a year after Mayor Peter Corroon signed an executive order urging county agencies to "incorporate environmentally sustainable practices in their day-to-day operations."

Environmental Policy Coordinator Ann Ober called the council's move an "important shift," one that could turn the county a deeper shade of green.

"We have a chance to make a real difference," Ober said. "The more unified the voice, the more of a difference we can make in our county."

The council debated similar building standards this spring when deciding whether to beef up the budget on its Zoo, Arts and Parks projects by almost $20 million to accommodate for inflated construction costs and environmental add-ons. Despite the higher front-end costs, the council approved the changes.

Officials echoed those sentiments Tuesday, voting to draft a green-building ordinance that could affect future county offices, libraries and senior centers.

"This seem like a no-brainer," Councilman Mark Crockett said. "Making our buildings more environmentally friendly is the right thing to do."

While he opposes the idea of requiring such changes in the private sector, Allen said the county should lead by example.

jstettler@sltrib.com