Item:
Title
Consideration and Adoption of Updated High Performance Building Policy
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: April 13, 2026
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to consider the updated High Performance Building Policy, and if in favor to adopt this policy. The policy revision is a key step in advancing Durham County's sustainability commitments, supporting long-term cost savings, reducing the County's carbon footprint, and meeting and exceeding similar policies passed this year by other local government organizations with comparable sustainability goals.
Durham County adopted a High Performance Building Policy in 2008 establishing procedure for achieving LEED certification in new and renovated buildings. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a certification system from the US Green Building Council that promotes sustainable, healthy, and cost-efficient building practices. The framework includes design, construction, operation, and maintenance for new and renovated buildings. The County now has 1 Platinum, 3 Gold, 4 Silver, and 4 Certified level LEED buildings.
The revised policy reflects the evolution of sustainable building policy that has occurred since 2008 and is modelled after polices adopted by other NC local governments including the City of Durham and City of Charlotte. The revised policy continues the commitment to LEED certification and explicitly lists the types of measures within LEED that the County should focus on, includes additional, more expansive requirements from the County Renewable Energy Plan, and creates reporting requirements. This new policy will provide more clarity to our designers, engineers, contractors, and staff as we continue to make our facilities healthier and more sustainable.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: This request aligns with Durham County Strategic Goal: Sustainable Infrastructure & Environment
Resource Persons: Tobin L. Freid, Sustainability Manager; Megan Pend...
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