Sustainability
Public Buildings
Introduction

Public Buildings Core Service Area has a proven track record of implementing sustainable practices in the design and construction of capital projects. Through the implementation of the County's Green Building Policy, new buildings with an area of 10,000 square feet or more have achieved a minimum of Silver Certification under U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system and many have exceeded Silver Certification. As of June 2013, we have completed more than 14 buildings that have been certified under the LEED rating system.

The County's Green Policy also requires that all capital projects comply with the County's Low Impact Development (LID) Standards Manual, and the use of drought tolerant plant species. The implementation of LID addresses storm water runoff and enhances groundwater quality, and the drought-tolerant plant species ordinance helps to reduce its use of potable water. Since January 2010, all capital projects must also comply with the California Green Building Standards Code (CalGreen), which requires that projects meet minimum energy efficiency and potable water use standards.

Key Sustainability Indicators
  1. Sustainable Public Facilities
Performance Metrics
  1. % of Buildings obtaining LEED Silver, Gold, Platinum ratings
  2. % energy use reduction by optimizing energy performance
  3. % potable water conservation
  4. % construction debris recycling and diversion from landfill