City of Grand Rapids - Green Building Requirements for Municipal Buildings

June 17, 2024

Summary

In January 2006, the City of Grand Rapids approved a resolution detailing the city's sustainability policy for public buildings. The resolution directed city personnel to implement the principles for the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED program and the EPA Energy Star and Green Lights programs. Included in this was a specific requirement that all construction and renovation projects involving municipal buildings larger than 10,000 square feet and a cost of $1 million or more receive LEED certification.

Update: Grand Rapids' 2019 strategic plan established goals for renewables, emissions reductions, and energy reductions for public buildings, as well as percentage increases of low or zero-emission vehicles in the city fleet. Creation of the energy consumption reductions and ZEV fleet increase targets are still ongoing. However, the emissions reductions and renewables goals have been finalized. Emissions from city buildings, utilities and fleets must be reduced from a 2008 baseline by 85% by 2030 and carbon neutral by 2040. The goal of electricity consumed by city buildings, utilities, and fleet charging for ZEVs is 100% renewable by 2025.

Program Overview

Implementing Sector: Local
Category: Regulatory Policy
State: Michigan
Incentive Type: Energy Standards for Public Buildings
Web Site: http://www.experiencegr.com/about-grand-rapids/green-grand-rapids/
Administrator:
Start Date:
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies:
  • Solar - Passive
  • Solar Water Heat
  • Solar Space Heat
  • Solar Photovoltaics
  • Wind (All)
  • Biomass
  • Geothermal Heat Pumps
  • Daylighting
  • Comprehensive Measures/Whole Building
  • Wind (Small)
  • Hydroelectric (Small)
Energy Reduction Goal/Requirement: Emissions from city buildings, utilities and fleets must be reduced from a 2008 baseline by 85% by 2030 and carbon neutral by 2040.
Green Building Requirement: Municipal buildings larger than 10,000 square feet and a cost of $1 million or more must receive LEED certification.
Renewable Energy Requirement: Electricity consumed by city buildings, utilities, and fleet charging for ZEVs is 100% renewable by 2025.

Authorities

Name: Commission Resolution No. 600-16
Date Enacted: 01/24/2006
Name: City of Grand Rapids Strategic Plan FY2020-FY2023
Name: City of Grand Rapids Strategic Plan Metrics Appendix (October 2022)

Contact

Name: General Contact
Organization: City of Grand Rapids Office of Sustainability
Address: City Hall - Suite 480 300 Monroe Ave NW
Grand Rapids MI 49503
Phone: (616) 456-3689
Email: sustainability@grcity.us

This information is sourced from DSIRE; the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University.