Anderson signed the original order in July, requiring certain new and renovated city buildings to meet the minimum "certified" Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) standards. Late last week, he amended that order to require municipal buildings to meet the "silver" level, one step above the minimum.

The higher standard could result in higher upfront costs, Anderson acknowledged. But such buildings are expected to save money over time through reduced energy bills.

The lower standard is "simply not enough to develop the green-building market and reduce the environmental impact of conventional building," Anderson said in a news release.

Ivan Weber is one of a group of advisers who had recommended the mayor aim for at least silver, and he's pleased Anderson listened, though the Salt Lake City builder would rather see the city strive for the even higher standards of gold or platinum.

"We don't have to look beyond our gas bills to see why it's necessary to go even beyond silver," Weber said Monday.

He noted buildings, not automobiles, are the real energy hogs: They account for a third of total energy use nationwide, 65 percent of electric energy use and 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the U.S. Green Building Council, which created the LEED ratings.

Soren Simonsen, an architect and city councilman, also urged the silver standard.

"Silver is just enough of a stretch that it goes beyond just the low-hanging fruit," said Simonsen, who has worked on LEED buildings and maintains they don't have to cost more to build. "You can accomplish your LEED goals and sustainability goals and accomplish a building that's economical and affordable."

The U.S. Green Building Council certifies projects, awarding points for water and energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, material use, design innovation and building-site issues.

Anderson's executive order applies to new city-owned buildings larger than 10,000 square feet and major renovations - projects that affect more than 25 percent of a 10,000-square-foot-plus building. It doesn't extend to limited-used buildings such as garages or pump stations or when meeting LEED standards would be too costly.

Green standards can require a greener investment. It costs money to register and seek certification - at least $2,200. And certification can increase the cost of building by up to 10 percent.

Salt Lake City International Airport estimates it would cost at least $40,000 in fees to pursue certification and up to $109 million more in construction and consultation costs if it pursued LEED for all projects outlined in its master plan.

LEED certification "ultimately adds to the character of the facility and comfort level of the facility," said Mary Guy-Sell, hub project manager. "It's a more positive facility to occupy."

hmay@sltrib.com

Greening up

private construction

Mayor Rocky Anderson's executive order applies only to city-owned buildings, but some privately owned projects may need to be environmentally friendly, too.

Anderson is seeking an ordinance that would require certain new or renovated commercial and residential projects - which tap taxpayer funds - to meet standards from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The Planning Commission gave its approval last month. The proposed ordinance, which wouldn't apply to single-family homes, is headed to the City Council.

Councilman Soren Simonsen said his priority this year is passing such an ordinance, which would also include incentives for private business to buy in to LEED. The incentives could include a reduced permit fee or expedited approval. He is also interested in setting green goals for single-family-home construction.

- Heather May