Green building is an approach to design, construction and operations that conserves resources while it protects human health. Green buildings use less energy, consume fewer natural resources such as water and forest products, and emit fewer pollutants into the environment. The District is a national leader in green building which supports the vision set forth in the Sustainable DC Plan. By continually encouraging market transformation, funding research that promotes innovation, and collaborating with the community and private sector on best practices DC will remain a leader in protecting our planet.

Leadership in Green Building

• 1st city in the nation to pass a law, the Green Building Act of 2006, requiring green building certification for both the public and private sectors.
• 1st among large cities in LEED certified projects and square footage on a per capita basis.
• 1st among large cities in ENERGY STAR certified buildings and square footage on a per capita basis.
• 1st in green power purchases among cities in the U.S. for three years running.

Green Building Policy

• Green Building Act of 2006 [PDF]
• District's Green Construction Code [PDF]: On March 28, 2014, the District of Columbia adopted the 2013 DC Green Construction Code, making the District, once again, a leader in the nation on green building and sustainability practices.
• Green Building Advisory Council - Agenda and Minutes
• Green Building Reports [PDF]

Green Building Fund Grant Program

The Department of Energy & Environment in collaboration with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs has created a Green Building Fund Grant Program to support innovative projects to “green” the built environment in the District. Grant projects include those that concentrate on research, data analysis, training, or engagement that help the District lead the way in enacting innovative policies that drive toward greater social, environmental and economic sustainability for our city.

• Learn more about the Green Building Grant Program

Green Building Resources

Local Resources:

• 2014 Green Buildings One Pager [PDF]: This document highlights data related to green buildings in the District.
• Guide to Green Buildings [PDF]: The District’s “Guide to Green Buildings” contains principles, practices, and resources that help make green development part of our everyday practice.
• Greening the Washington Metropolitan Region's Built Environment: A report by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments that contains information about green building benefits.
• Green Roofs in the District of Columbia: Learn more about the District’s green roof programs and inventory.

Other Resources:

• Smarter DC Challenge is a green business engagement program for the District that aims to embed a culture of sustainability into the fabric of the community.
• Green Buildings Information Gateway: An international web-based tool, search engine and data platform for exploring and comparing the green buildings an DC and around the world.
• Enterprise Green Communities: This organization oversees the Enterprise Green Communities Criteria, a green building standard for affordable housing.
• U.S. Green Building Council: Oversees the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system.
• District Tops Nationwide Charts for Green Building Space. USGBC has just released the annual list of Top 10 States for LEED. Read More>>