City of Asheville - Efficiency Standards for City Buildings

In April 2007, the Asheville City Council adopted carbon emission reduction goals and set LEED standards for new city buildings. The council committed to reducing carbon emissions by 2% per year until the city reaches an 80% reduction from baseline year 2001-02 emissions. To work towards this goal, the council also resolved that all new occupied city-owned buildings greater than 5,000 square feet will adhere to the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified "Gold" standard. New city buildings less than 5,000 square feet will achieve the LEED "Silver" standard.

The resolution requires city planners to strive for the highest LEED certification possible when project resources and conditions permit. Buildings greater than 5,000 square feet must meet an energy savings payback period of 10 years or less. If the payback period exceeds 10 years, city planners must instead construct the facility to meet the LEED "Silver" standard.

The City Council adopted a Sustainability Management Plan in June 2009 to aid the city in reaching its carbon reduction goals. The City is currently wrapping up a four year program to change all streetlights to LEDs. When complete, the project is expected to save $650,000 annually.