The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), creators of the LEED green building rating system, have announced that 13 cities – including Lexington – will commence certification in a national cohort supported by the LEED for Cities Local Government Leadership Program.
Jada Griggs, Program Manager Senior in the Department of Environmental Quality and Public Works, will represent the city in the program that will align the framework found in the LEED for Cities Certification with the efforts of the Empower Lexington community stakeholders group. That group will gather the necessary information for the LEED for Cities Certification while working to update the 2012 Empower Lexington Plan.
Obtaining this certification does not require Lexington residences and businesses to become LEED certified.
Griggs will be responsible for completing the LEED for Cities Certification process. She will receive guidance from the USGBC to help Lexington set energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goals, develop GHG reduction targets, collect required data and apply for the certification. The benefits, resources and support that come with this program will help Lexington build on initiatives to improve our sustainability and resiliency.
“The 13 local governments selected to participate in this year’s cohort are committed to accountability and will use LEED as a tool to ensure they are on a path of continuous improvement,” says Peter Templeton, president and CEO, U.S. Green Building Council.
Bank of America partnered with USGBC to launch the Local Government Leadership Program in 2017, and has contributed more than $2.5 million to support dozens of cities and counties in their pursuit of LEED certification. The program helps local governments committed to reducing climate change and advancing resilience and social equity by measuring and tracking performance using the LEED for Cities rating system.
The 2023 cohort represents more than 3.5 million Americans in diverse places around the U.S. In addition to Lexington, the other cities selected are:
- Colorado Springs, CO
- Des Moines, IA
- Grand Junction, CO
- Lantana, FL
- Largo, FL
- Lawrence, KS
- North Miami, FL
- Palm Coast, FL
- Plano, TX
- San Diego, CA
- Scottsdale, AZ
- South Bend, IN
About the U.S. Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL 3 program, robust educational offerings, an international network of local community leaders, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the Center for Green Schools and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
