The program helps local governments committed to accelerating progress on climate change, resilience and social equity planning, measure and track performance using LEED.
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), creators of the LEED green building rating system, announced the City of Wilmington is among 15 cities and counties selected to commence certification in a national cohort supported by the LEED for Cities Local Government Leadership Program. The program helps local governments committed to accelerating progress on climate change, resilience and social equity planning, measure and track performance using LEED.
LEED provides a framework to address energy, water, waste, pollution, and carbon. In addition to environmental factors, the rating system considers social and economic indicators, such as health, equity, education, and prosperity. LEED helps local leaders hone metrics around initiatives; benchmark performance relative to peers; and communicate to and educate stakeholders on progress. The rating system is flexible and can be applied to small and large cities, counties, and other local governments, as well as economic areas, such as business improvement districts and neighborhoods.
“Wilmington continues the hard work of building a more sustainable and resilient city,” Sustainability Manager David Ingram said. “By participating in programs like this, we are reaffirming our commitment to a better, cleaner future. We are proud to be a part of this national cohort and look forward to embracing all that it offers.”
The program will provide peer-to-peer networking opportunities, technical assistance, access to educational resources, and waived membership, registration, and certification fees to support the participants working toward LEED certification.
Wilmington, along with the other selected entities, will also receive:
- A dedicated USGBC staff liaison providing project management and coaching support, technical assistance, and QA/QC on certification materials.
- Access to a multi-day virtual orientation program for staff, elected/appointed officials and partners.
- Monthly networking and convening opportunities with the national cohort.
- How to guides, education resources, and other project management tools.
- Access to green building policy and advocacy support, connection to local chapters and USGBC’s network of thought leaders and practitioners.
- USGBC membership at the Silver level; registration in LEED for Cities; certification review fees; and access to the Arc reporting platform to encourage continuous improvement and benchmarking.
In partnership, the USGBC and Bank of America support the LEED for Cities Local Government Leadership Program, which convenes a national cohort of U.S. local governments committed to certifying in LEED for Cities and accelerating progress on climate change, social equity, and resilience. Through this competitive program, local governments collaborate and exchange ideas with peers as they get organized, set goals, collect data, and apply for certification. Bank of America partnered with USGBC to launch the Local Government Leadership Program in 2017 and has contributed more than $1.75 million to support 56 cities and counties in their pursuit of LEED certification.
The 15 local governments selected for the 2021 program represent more than five million Americans in diverse places around the country:
Atlantic Beach, Fla.
Billings, Mont.
Claremont, Calif.
Coral Gables, Fla.
Durango, Colo.
Hattiesburg, Miss.
Houston, Texas
Jupiter Inlet Colony, Fla.
Kansas City, Mo.
Long Beach, Cali.
Pinellas County, Fla.
Racine, Wisc.
Tempe, Ariz.
West Palm Beach, Fla.
Wilmington, N.C.