The City of Philadelphia has been named one of 12 local governments selected to participate in the 2024 LEED for Cities Local Government Leadership Program, led by the U.S. Green Building Council.
The program recognizes local governments committed to advancing sustainability, climate resilience, and social equity, and prepares participants to track progress on sustainability goals using the LEED for Cities rating system. The LEED for Cities rating system, which is used by more than 300 cities and communities worldwide, helps local leaders manage and measure social, economic, and environmental performance against others to improve overall sustainability and quality of life for residents.
The program provides Philadelphia with peer-to-peer networking opportunities, technical assistance, educational resources, and additional support toward achieving a LEED for Cities certification.
The 2024 national cohort represents nearly five million Americans in diverse places including:
- Overland Park, KS
- La Crosse, WI
- Coral Springs, FL
- Boca Raton, FL
- St. Petersburg, FL
- Gainesville, FL
- Jacksonville, FL
- El Paso, TX
- Carrollton, TX
- Gary, IN
- New Orleans, LA
- Philadelphia, PA
Since 2009, the City has used LEED rating systems to set environmental and energy efficiency standards for municipal buildings.
The current City LEED ordinance requires that all large, municipal new construction and major renovation projects achieve a Gold-level certification in the LEED for Building Design and Construction (LEED BD+C) rating system. The Office of Sustainability organizes regular LEED professional credential trainings to support and prepare staff working on qualifying projects.
Guided by the strategies and resources offered through the city-level LEED for Cities rating system and Local Government Leadership Program, the City will continue accelerating toward citywide climate action and energy goals.
