Latest news with #U.S.GreenBuildingCouncil
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Aurora joins yearlong national sustainability program
The city of Aurora has recently been picked to join a yearlong program that brings together communities from around the country to improve sustainability. As one of only 16 local governments to be chosen as part of the 2025 LEED for Cities Certification Cohort, Aurora will be supported by the U.S. Green Building Council in sustainability, resilience and quality of life efforts, according to a city news release announcing the partnership. 'The City of Aurora is honored to take part in the LEED for Cities cohort,' Mayor John Laesch said in the news release. 'This partnership will allow Aurora to develop a more sustainable planning process, while taking significant steps toward reducing climate change and promoting a more resilient and equitable city.' LEED stands for 'Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design' and is typically used to certify green buildings. However, whole local governments or communities can be LEED certified, which is what Aurora will be working towards under the yearlong cohort program. The city's participation in this program seems to align with Laesch's stated vision for the city, which includes a focus on fostering green-building jobs, but the city applied to be a part of the cohort before he was elected. According to the news release, Aurora is planning to use the program to 'engage the public around data-driven goals and identify opportunities to strengthen local climate and sustainability efforts.' Through the program, the city will be given resources to measure and improve sustainability performance through the LEED for Cities rating system, the news release said. But according to Randal Stephens, the city grant writer who helped secure the city's spot in the cohort, Aurora will also benefit from sharing resources and best practices with others in the program. Throughout the yearlong process, she said, the cohort will meet twice a month and work through nine different areas of focus: integrative process, natural systems and ecology, transportation and land use, water efficiency, energy and greenhouse gas emissions, materials and resources, quality of life, innovation and regional priorities. For example, in the natural systems and ecology category, Aurora will take a comprehensive look at the city's natural systems, identify invasive species, study soil composition and inventory typical pollution sources, according to Stephens. She said that, once the information is gathered, it can be used in future policy improvements or projects. Beyond the environmental side of sustainability, Stephens said, the program will also take a look at things like vulnerable populations through the quality of life category to identify gaps in social infrastructure instead of focusing only on built environments. LEED certification would show that Aurora took a holistic approach to evaluating its policies and practices, fostered collaboration between departments and developed a framework for continued improvement — plus, it would help the city in future grant applications, since it would show the city has the capacity, experience and ability to manage these sorts of complex programs, according to Stephens. In the short-term, being in the cohort will give the city a free yearlong membership to resources through the LEED online portal, which is normally paid, plus will offer discounted training courses and individual certifications, she said. According to the U.S. Green Building Council's own news release announcing the 2025 LEED for Cities Certification Cohort, nearby Cook County is also participating in the cohort program. Other local governments in the 2025 cohort include Ashland, Massachusetts; Brighton, Colorado; Delray Beach, Florida; Farmers Branch, Texas; Harris County, Texas; King County, Washington; Lafayette, Indiana; Lincoln, Nebraska; Mercer Island, Washington; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Riverside, California; Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and West Lafayette, Indiana. 'City governments play a critical role in advancing public and environmental health, resilience and economic prosperity across their communities,' Peter Templeton, U.S. Green Building Council president and CEO, said in the organization's press release. 'We applaud this cohort for prioritizing these outcomes and committing to meaningful actions on sustainability and community well-being.' Stephens said Aurora was invited to apply for the cohort around late last year. The idea was then discussed internally to make sure the city had the capacity to participate in the program since it covers a large range of topics and involves nearly every city department, she said, and an application was turned in around last December. One of the main reasons the city applied was to work toward goals laid out in the 2019 Sustainability Plan, including expanding renewable energy and piloting zero waste initiatives, according to Stephens. She said that, as the city reviews its current policies and procedures through the cohort program, hopefully opportunities for improvement will be identified that contribute to that plan's goals. The U.S. Green Building Council's website about the Local Government Leadership Program, which the LEED for Cities Certification Cohort is a part of, says cities in the cohort are expected to be LEED certified within 12 months of starting the program. A timeline in an info packet linked on the website shows that program graduation is planned for March 31, 2026. First started in 2017, the Local Government Leadership Program has in total provided direct support to around 120 local governments across the country, which represents around 55 million people, according to the U.S. Green Building Council's news release. Beyond the certification cohort, the program also includes regional leadership summits and accelerators. rsmith@
Chicago Tribune
6 days ago
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Aurora joins yearlong national sustainability program
The city of Aurora has recently been picked to join a yearlong program that brings together communities from around the country to improve sustainability. As one of only 16 local governments to be chosen as part of the 2025 LEED for Cities Certification Cohort, Aurora will be supported by the U.S. Green Building Council in sustainability, resilience and quality of life efforts, according to a city news release announcing the partnership. 'The City of Aurora is honored to take part in the LEED for Cities cohort,' Mayor John Laesch said in the news release. 'This partnership will allow Aurora to develop a more sustainable planning process, while taking significant steps toward reducing climate change and promoting a more resilient and equitable city.' LEED stands for 'Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design' and is typically used to certify green buildings. However, whole local governments or communities can be LEED certified, which is what Aurora will be working towards under the yearlong cohort program. The city's participation in this program seems to align with Laesch's stated vision for the city, which includes a focus on fostering green-building jobs, but the city applied to be a part of the cohort before he was elected. According to the news release, Aurora is planning to use the program to 'engage the public around data-driven goals and identify opportunities to strengthen local climate and sustainability efforts.' Through the program, the city will be given resources to measure and improve sustainability performance through the LEED for Cities rating system, the news release said. But according to Randal Stephens, the city grant writer who helped secure the city's spot in the cohort, Aurora will also benefit from sharing resources and best practices with others in the program. Throughout the yearlong process, she said, the cohort will meet twice a month and work through nine different areas of focus: integrative process, natural systems and ecology, transportation and land use, water efficiency, energy and greenhouse gas emissions, materials and resources, quality of life, innovation and regional priorities. For example, in the natural systems and ecology category, Aurora will take a comprehensive look at the city's natural systems, identify invasive species, study soil composition and inventory typical pollution sources, according to Stephens. She said that, once the information is gathered, it can be used in future policy improvements or projects. Beyond the environmental side of sustainability, Stephens said, the program will also take a look at things like vulnerable populations through the quality of life category to identify gaps in social infrastructure instead of focusing only on built environments. LEED certification would show that Aurora took a holistic approach to evaluating its policies and practices, fostered collaboration between departments and developed a framework for continued improvement — plus, it would help the city in future grant applications, since it would show the city has the capacity, experience and ability to manage these sorts of complex programs, according to Stephens. In the short-term, being in the cohort will give the city a free yearlong membership to resources through the LEED online portal, which is normally paid, plus will offer discounted training courses and individual certifications, she said. According to the U.S. Green Building Council's own news release announcing the 2025 LEED for Cities Certification Cohort, nearby Cook County is also participating in the cohort program. Other local governments in the 2025 cohort include Ashland, Massachusetts; Brighton, Colorado; Delray Beach, Florida; Farmers Branch, Texas; Harris County, Texas; King County, Washington; Lafayette, Indiana; Lincoln, Nebraska; Mercer Island, Washington; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Riverside, California; Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and West Lafayette, Indiana. 'City governments play a critical role in advancing public and environmental health, resilience and economic prosperity across their communities,' Peter Templeton, U.S. Green Building Council president and CEO, said in the organization's press release. 'We applaud this cohort for prioritizing these outcomes and committing to meaningful actions on sustainability and community well-being.' Stephens said Aurora was invited to apply for the cohort around late last year. The idea was then discussed internally to make sure the city had the capacity to participate in the program since it covers a large range of topics and involves nearly every city department, she said, and an application was turned in around last December. One of the main reasons the city applied was to work toward goals laid out in the 2019 Sustainability Plan, including expanding renewable energy and piloting zero waste initiatives, according to Stephens. She said that, as the city reviews its current policies and procedures through the cohort program, hopefully opportunities for improvement will be identified that contribute to that plan's goals. The U.S. Green Building Council's website about the Local Government Leadership Program, which the LEED for Cities Certification Cohort is a part of, says cities in the cohort are expected to be LEED certified within 12 months of starting the program. A timeline in an info packet linked on the website shows that program graduation is planned for March 31, 2026. First started in 2017, the Local Government Leadership Program has in total provided direct support to around 120 local governments across the country, which represents around 55 million people, according to the U.S. Green Building Council's news release. Beyond the certification cohort, the program also includes regional leadership summits and accelerators.
Zawya
05-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Masdar City: A proven blueprint for sustainable urban development earns LEED platinum
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Masdar City has reinforced its position as the UAE's pioneering sustainable urban community with the award of the prestigious LEED Communities Platinum Certification for its Phase 1 project, under development. Masdar City was recognized in the LEED v4.1 Communities Plan & Design category, and it is the first time this certificate has been given to a project in Abu Dhabi. The award acknowledges Masdar City's commitment to exceeding rigorous sustainability standards for its development and buildings. The achievement further reinforces Masdar City's reputation as a world-class, climate-resilient community that is attracting a growing number of tenants drawn to its innovative and collaborative environment. "The international recognition achieved by Masdar City is evidence of the success of our sustainable development approach and reflects the efforts made toward establishing the community as a sustainability hub,' said Mohamed Al Breiki, Executive Director Sustainable Development from Masdar City. 'Our vision is to inspire cities to transform into more liveable, resilient, and sustainable places, based on innovation and collaboration while enhancing the quality of life for all residents. Our ambition for 2025, the year of community, is to enhance the experience of our people and our businesses while protecting the natural environment, revolutionising the way cities and communities are planned, developed, and operated.' 'At Masdar City we are constantly striving to push the boundaries of innovation for a more sustainable future, and the awarding of the LEED Platinum Certificate is a recognition of that,' said Gaurish Wagle, Manager, Sustainable Master Planning at Masdar City. 'We are determined to be a world leader in sustainable urban living and are doing so by meeting the highest standards, as this certificate proves.' Masdar City has established a reputation for setting the standard on sustainable urban development, excelling in master planning and integrating advanced green infrastructure, renewable energy, and low-carbon mobility solutions into its urban design. Phase 1 of the master plan not only met but surpassed LEED's strict performance standards across critical areas such as land use, transportation, energy systems, and community health. The LEED for Communities rating system, certified by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), evaluates the long-term sustainability and liveability of neighbourhoods and urban developments. The Plan & Design rating system evaluates community-scale master plans before construction, ensuring that critical elements like natural systems and ecology, quality of life, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, air quality, mobility, and community engagement are prioritized. This new award further builds upon a strong track record of LEED certifications, Masdar City is home to dozens of LEED-rated buildings, including one of the largest clusters of LEED Platinum buildings in the world, as well as several with LEED Operations & Maintenance (O+M) certifications.
Zawya
05-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt: Dahab Developments begins delivery of units in ITC project at New Capital
Egypt - Dahab Developments has announced the delivery of the first phase of its Iconic Trinity Complex (ITC) project, located in the New Administrative Capital, to its clients. The company confirmed that the units are fully furnished and finished, reflecting its commitment to handing over projects according to the agreed timelines and highest quality standards. Nader Adeeb Maawad, Chairperson of Dahab Developments, stated that the company has successfully executed, completed, and delivered fully integrated residential, commercial, and administrative projects spanning more than 150,000 square meters across several areas, including New Cairo. This milestone underscores the company's growing footprint and dedication to delivering high-quality developments in Egypt's evolving real estate market. Youssef Nader Maawad, Vice Chairperson of the company, explained that the ITC project extends over an area of 8,000 square meters, with a built-up area of 40,000 square meters. The development includes two basement levels covering 16,000 square meters, capable of accommodating 600 cars. The structure rises from a ground floor to nine upper floors, where the first to third floors are allocated for commercial activities, the fourth floor for medical services, and the fifth to tenth floors for administrative offices. Unit sizes within the project range from 50 to 1,400 square meters, and all available units have already been sold. Sherif Maawad, Board Member of Dahab Developments, noted that contracts have already been signed with several prominent local and international companies, reflecting strong demand and confidence in the project. He also revealed that the ITC project has received LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, recognizing its commitment to sustainable building standards and environmental efficiency. In pursuit of excellence, the company has collaborated with a number of leading consulting and contracting firms to ensure the success of the project. The Lebanese Chaddad Group was selected to oversee interior finishes, while Yasser Al Beltagy Architects (YBA), under the leadership of Yasser Al Beltagy, handled the architectural design. Electromechanical works are being managed by Prompt Company, led by Walid Abdelghafar. The overall construction process is supervised by ITC Company, and El Sewedy Industries, headed by Waseem Anwar, has also been contracted as a key partner. Through this project, Dahab Developments reaffirms its commitment to delivering high-end, mixed-use developments in one of Egypt's most strategic and fast-growing locations.
Daily News Egypt
04-05-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Dahab Developments begins delivery of units in ITC project at New Capital
Dahab Developments has announced the delivery of the first phase of its Iconic Trinity Complex (ITC) project, located in the New Administrative Capital, to its clients. The company confirmed that the units are fully furnished and finished, reflecting its commitment to handing over projects according to the agreed timelines and highest quality standards. Nader Adeeb Maawad, Chairperson of Dahab Developments, stated that the company has successfully executed, completed, and delivered fully integrated residential, commercial, and administrative projects spanning more than 150,000 square meters across several areas, including New Cairo. This milestone underscores the company's growing footprint and dedication to delivering high-quality developments in Egypt's evolving real estate market. Youssef Nader Maawad, Vice Chairperson of the company, explained that the ITC project extends over an area of 8,000 square meters, with a built-up area of 40,000 square meters. The development includes two basement levels covering 16,000 square meters, capable of accommodating 600 cars. The structure rises from a ground floor to nine upper floors, where the first to third floors are allocated for commercial activities, the fourth floor for medical services, and the fifth to tenth floors for administrative offices. Unit sizes within the project range from 50 to 1,400 square meters, and all available units have already been sold. Sherif Maawad, Board Member of Dahab Developments, noted that contracts have already been signed with several prominent local and international companies, reflecting strong demand and confidence in the project. He also revealed that the ITC project has received LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, recognizing its commitment to sustainable building standards and environmental efficiency. In pursuit of excellence, the company has collaborated with a number of leading consulting and contracting firms to ensure the success of the project. The Lebanese Chaddad Group was selected to oversee interior finishes, while Yasser Al Beltagy Architects (YBA), under the leadership of Yasser Al Beltagy, handled the architectural design. Electromechanical works are being managed by Prompt Company, led by Walid Abdelghafar. The overall construction process is supervised by ITC Company, and El Sewedy Industries, headed by Waseem Anwar, has also been contracted as a key partner. Through this project, Dahab Developments reaffirms its commitment to delivering high-end, mixed-use developments in one of Egypt's most strategic and fast-growing locations.
