Syracuse, NY Developing a Sustainable Building Policy

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.
Category:Building Standards
Category:City Governments
Category:New York
Category:Resolutions