A proposed ordinance initiated by Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson would require certain private building projects with over 10,000 square feet of occupied space be environmentally friendly if city money is involved.
The requirement to be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, certified could cost developers more in construction and compliance costs. But projects that are energy and water efficient and use green construction materials tend to save money in operation and maintenance and sometimes construction, according to the U.S. Green Building Council, which created the national LEED standards.
"We want better buildings. LEED means we get better buildings," said Lisa Romney, Anderson's environmental adviser. "That way the public knows that public money is going to really good stewards in the community."
The ordinance is still being drafted, so the details are few.
The LEED requirement would apply to new construction or major renovations.
The ordinance wouldn't apply to projects using the city's Redevelopment Agency funds - from which the lion's share of taxpayer funds are doled out.
Dave Oka, director of the city's RDA, said Anderson has suggested using LEED standards on RDA projects. "For the time being they're concentrating on the city side of that. Once that's in place we'll take a look at it," Oka said.
First the City Council would have to sign off on the ordinance, which probably won't get to the council until next year.
It is not clear if the requirement would deter developers from seeking city funds for their projects. They may want even more money from the city to get LEED certified. The Salt Lake Chamber hasn't weighed in yet.
The proposed ordinance comes three months after Anderson signed an executive order requiring new and renovated city-owned buildings be LEED certified. Several other cities and states also require that government buildings be green.
Open house
The city will hold an open house on the proposed ordinance on Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 5-6:30Â p.m. in room 335 at City Hall, 451 S. State.
