A. LEED Rating System: The Leadership In Energy In Environmental Design (LEED) rating system is a system created by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), of which Salt Lake City Corporation (City) is an active member, to provide a national standard for healthy environmental and energy efficient design. Various local stakeholders, including architects, planners, environmental consultants, professors, political leaders, energy experts, health officials and City staff members worked with the City to review the LEED rating system.
B. Levels Of Certification: Presently, LEED offers four (4) levels of certification: "certified", "silver", "gold" and "platinum". The standards comprising these different levels are considered to promote a healthy environment, provide long term cost benefits through efficient use of energy, optimize building performance and create healthier workplaces for employees and visitors. A project can earn points in each of these areas and the number of points earned determines which of the four (4) levels the project will attain. The City has determined that adherence to LEED standards in certain circumstances is in the best interest of the City by obtaining the energy efficient benefits promoted by those standards.
C. Scope Of Program: The Energy Star Program (ENERGY STAR) is a joint program of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Department of Energy that helps consumers save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. ENERGY STAR qualified homes are independently verified to meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the EPA. These efficiencies help homeowners save money on utility bills, provide a more comfortable living environment with better indoor air quality, and help the environment. The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index (also known as the Energy Smart Home Scale) is used by ENERGY STAR to rate the efficiency of a residential building. The ENERGY STAR requirement for a home in Salt Lake City is a HERS Index of eighty five (85) or less. The Mayor has determined that constructing homes that meet ENERGY STAR standards (i.e., HERS Index of 85 or less) is in the best interest of the City by reducing the demand for nonrenewable energy in the City's residential buildings.
D. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction: Through LEED and ENERGY STAR standards, the City is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by implementing more sustainable practices, including green building technologies. (2019 Compilation)