Syracuse, NY Developing a Sustainable Building Policy

Syracuse, NY, US

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Type: Resolution

Status: Adopted on 1/10/06

Source File: http://www.greenupstateny.org/uploads/ActualResolution.pdf

Text:

Resolution No. 27-R 2006
RESOLUTION REGARDING A POLICY ON THE USE OF "LEED" BUILDING STANDARDS FOR SYRACUSE, NEW YORK BUILDINGS

WHEREAS, the City of Syracuse is dedicated to the mutually compatible goals of economic vitality, social equity and environmental stewardship; and

WHEREAS, the City of Syracuse is dedicated to the environmental health and safety of its employees, and to efficient and effective work environments; and

WHEREAS, municipal government should assume a leadership role in promoting the efficient use of energy and natural resources providing for the long-term protection and enhancement of our environment, our economy, and the health of our citizens and future generations; and

WHEREAS, this City enjoys a unique and timely opportunity to design, construct, and renovate buildings for the 21st century that will incorporate a building's life cycle and reduced operating costs serving the needs of its citizens and employees for years to come; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a voluntary, consensus-based, market-driven green building rating system for new and existing commercial and institutional buildings used to determine what constitutes sustainable building by national standards; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the people of Syracuse that all municipal buildings constructed, expanded, or renovated should be modern facilities of the 21st century, combining the most energy-efficient design, the most environmentally sustainable systems, with maximum access and benefit to employees and the public; and

WHEREAS, according to the LEED Users Summary compiled in February 2004 by the USGBC, 41 U.S. city and county governments have adopted some form of LEED certification requirements in the construction or major renovation of municipal facilities. Some of these communities have set the bar high, requiring a minimum of a LEED Silver rating; and

WHEREAS, the New York State Energy Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) provides low interest loans (4% below market rate) for energy efficiency measures and building materials that meet LEED or other generally accepted green building standards; and

WHEREAS, the New York State Green Building Tax Credit Program provides a tax incentive to commercial developments incorporating specific green strategies informed by LEED;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that THIS Common Council is urging the Mayor that it should be the policy of the City of Syracuse to finance, plan, design, construct, manage, renovate, and maintain its facilities and buildings to be sustainable. City Commissioners, Department Heads, and all City staff should be directed to use the most recent version of LEED certification standards as a benchmark to achieve maximum energy efficiency and environmental sustainability relevant to the scope of the new construction or major renovation, unless this cannot be accomplished on a cost-effective basis, considering construction and operating costs over the life cycle of the building being constructed, expanded, or renovated; All facilities and buildings are encouraged to use higher LEED rating levels, if feasible; All municipal department heads whose responsibilities include planning, designing, constructing, or renovating City-owned facilities should, in accordance with the directives of the Mayor, work towards ensuring compliance with this policy.