Alexandria will eliminate requirements for third-party green building certifications under a new policy aimed at reducing development costs while maintaining environmental standards.
The City Council is expected to consider the updated Green Building Policy later this year after review by the Planning Commission and Environmental Policy Commission. The changes would take effect Jan. 1, replacing the current 2019 policy.
Under the existing policy, developers must obtain approval from third-party certification programs for projects requiring special use permits. City officials said the process created uncertainty and drove up costs without effectively reducing energy consumption or improving building resilience.
“The use of third-party certifications introduced levels of uncertainty, and created a broad focus on sustainability, often at a higher cost while not meeting the key intent of reducing energy use and creating more resilient buildings,” according to city documents.
The new policy narrows requirements to focus on air quality, environmental impact and energy efficiency. Key changes include:
— Emphasizing Energy Use Intensity measurements, renewable energy generation and building electrification rather than broad sustainability certifications — Allowing developers to choose between the old and new standards for applications submitted between Oct. 30 and Dec. 31 — Requiring third-party certification only “when technically and financially feasible”
For public projects, the city would require 100% green infrastructure for stormwater treatment and net-zero energy consumption, meaning buildings produce at least as much renewable energy as they consume.
City-owned facilities not requiring special use permits would follow LEED Interior Design & Construction guidelines for renovations and system upgrades.
The policy also mandates Energy Star-certified appliances, including clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and ice machines in new residential developments.
Alexandria began reviewing the green building requirements in April, following a public comment period. Officials said they focused on identifying the most impactful environmental solutions while providing regulatory certainty and reducing certification costs.
The 2019 policy expires Dec. 31.
More details are available in the city’s policy update report.
