Gainesville one of 12 cities selected to participate in national sustainability program

Gainesville is one of 12 cities selected by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to be part of a program that helps local governments improve sustainability and the quality of life within communities.

The program, LEED for Cities Local Government Leadership Program, works with cities each year to help them set goals, look at data, and further regional climate action plans, according to a USGBC press release. LEED is a rating system that evaluates public health, green spaces and environmental justice.

“Embracing sustainability is not just about enhancing our surroundings, it's about setting a standard for the future,” said Gainesville Chief Climate Officer Dr. Dan Zhu in a city press release.

“As we join the LEED for Cities Leadership Program, we are not merely aiming for certification but for a transformation that embeds resilience and quality of life into the very core of our community,” she said.

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As part of the program, Gainesville employees will have access to networking communities including regional leadership summits, educational resources and technical assistance, according to the USGBC release. The group has also established a program that assists local governments with collecting data, navigating the LEED certification program, and benchmarking sustainability performance.

“Local governments are leading the way in finding solutions to address the climate crisis, and LEED for Cities helps local leaders accelerate progress that improves the health of people and our planet,” said Peter Templeton, USGBC president and CEO, in the city press release. “The 12 local governments selected to participate in this year’s cohort are committed to accountability and will use LEED as a tool to ensure they are on a path of continuous improvement,” he said.

Along with Gainesville, the 2024 LEED cohort includes Boca Raton; Carrollton, Texas; Coral Springs; El Paso, Texas; Gary, Indiana.; Jacksonville; La Crosse, Wisconsin.; New Orleans; Overland Park, Kansas; Philadelphia; and St. Petersburg.

The city has expressed its commitment to sustainability many times. The city currently has a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, and is already creating a robust climate action plan. According to the city’s website, Gainesville is home to 183 LEED-certified buildings including Florida’s first LEED Platinum and LEED Gold certified buildings at the University of Florida.

“Creating a sustainable community by addressing climate change, reducing Gainesville's carbon footprint, and designing new developments based on sustainability concepts are key elements of the City’s strategic plan,” according to the release.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Gainesville chosen to participate in national sustainability program