HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 05-24-22; 12-4 - Information Item - Memorandum - Orange County Receives LEED Gold Certification from U.S. Green Building Council 1
ORANGE COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF ASSET MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Memorandum
To: Board of County Commissioners
Bonnie Hammersley, County Manager
From: Steven Arndt, Director, Asset Management Services
Amy Eckberg, Sustainability Programs Manager
Date: May 24, 2022
Subject: Orange County Receives LEED Gold Certification from U.S.
Green Building Council
On April 19, 2022, Orange County received word from the U.S. Green Building Council
(USGBC) that it had earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
Certification for Cities and Communities at the Gold level. LEED for Cities and
Communities is the leading global rating system and certification program for evaluating
the sustainability and quality of life in a city or community. Community sustainability is
about the integrated system of a community supporting a robust environment and
vibrant economies, while equitably serving residents. As such, the LEED program
emphasizes social, economic, and environmental performance indicators that allow
communities to gauge and compare their progress and identify opportunities for growth
in achieving sustainability goals.
Orange County first embarked on the LEED certification process in 2019 when it applied
and received a technical and financial assistance grant supported by Bank of America.
Despite the distractions and demands of responding simultaneously to a pandemic,
County staff and invaluable supporters remained dedicated to the certification process
which included gathering and verifying performance data across departments, Towns
and the County.
Cities and Communities can earn points towards certification for performance in the
following categories.
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• Integrative Process
• Natural Systems and Ecology
• Transportation and Land Use
• Water Efficiency
• Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• Materials and Resources
• Quality of Life
• Innovation
• Regional Priority
Some measures are prerequisites, while others are optional credits. The total point
score determines the certification level received. With Orange County's 66 awarded
points, we received Gold certification! The breakdown of points awarded for each
category are depicted in the graph below.
CatePaints Achievedf
Category
Points.Available
INTEGRATIVE PROCESS(IP) 215
r NATURAL SYSTEMS AND ECOLOGY(NS) 819
A TRANSPORTATION AND LAND USE(TR) 10115
WATER EFFICIENCY(WE) 4111
ENERGY AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS(EN) 20130
MATERIALS AND RESOURCES(MR) 2110
QUALITY OF LIFE(QL) 15120
1i INNOVATION(IN) 316
M. REGIONAL PRIORITY(RP) 214
TOTAL POINTS ACHIEVED 661110
Orange County's certification reflects the combined actions our local jurisdictions have
taken to steward our natural assets, improve energy efficiencies, provide innovative
services and transportation options and very importantly, give residents a strong quality
of life. Some examples of how we do this include:
• Social justice and racial equity goals, high education and low unemployment
rates, and a focus on inclusive community engagement
• Regional resiliency planning
• Energy efficiency upgrades such as geothermal well installations and energy
efficient building practices
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• A variety of regional fixed route public transit and accessible on demand
transportation options in addition to a commuter options program designed to
facilitate alternatives to single occupancy commuting
• Innovative programs such as the Community Climate Action Tax Grant program,
food policy programs, and inter-jurisdictional climate action collaborations
• Abundant green spaces that allow the majority of County residents access within
a '/2 mile walk of their residence
Orange County's LEED for Cities and Communities certification provides a consistent
performance measure to benchmark progress both internally and in comparison with
other communities. This enables us to evaluate where we stand in our commitment to
sustainability and to identify the opportunities that will help us make more progress with
climate action, resiliency and our transition to clean, renewable energy.
This certification also acknowledges the hard work of our amazing staff, advisory boards
and partnerships that work together to achieve the County's outstanding progress in
instituting programs and policies aimed at promoting sustainability, social equity,
economic resilience and quality of life. Celebrating our success and the progress we've
made is important and will help fuel our continued efforts towards advancing and
achieving our sustainability goals.
Orange County is excited to join the nearly 200 cities and communities represented in
almost 180 countries and territories across the globe participating in LEED.
Orange County staff are working together with the Towns on a press release and a joint
announcement which will be planned for late Spring.
Name: Orange County, North Carolina
FINAL
REVIEW
0 T
LEED v4.1 Cities: Existing
Project ID Certification Level Date
1000113500 LEED GOLD ° April 1Loll, 2022
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W LEED
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5
LEED Certification Review Report
This report contains the results of the technical review of an application for LEER®certification submitted for the specified project.LEER
certification is an official recognition that a project complies with the requirements prescribed within the LEED rating systems as created and
maintained by the U.S.Green Building Council®(USGBC®).The LEED certification program is administered by Green Business Certification Inc.
(GBCI®).
Orange County, North Carolina
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Project ID 1000113500
Rating System&version: LEED v4.1 Cities:Existing
Project Registration Date: December 13,2018 Gold Certified
CERTIFIED:40-49,SILVER:50-59,GOLD:60-79,PLATINUM:80+
LEED v4.1 CITIES: EXISTING
ATTEMPTED:66,NOT AWARDED:0,PENDING:0,AWARDED:66 OF 110 POINTS
INTEGRATIVE PROCESS 2 OF 5 ;\ND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS 20 OF 30
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Integrative Planning and Leadership 1/1 �{ Power Access,Reliability and Resiliency Y
Green Building Policy and Incentives 1/4 Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Management 14/14
Energy Efficiency NA
ONATURAL SYSTEMS AND ECOLOGY 8 OF 9 Renewable Energy NA
Ecosystem Assessment Y Low Carbon Economy 4/4
Green Spaces 2/2 Grid Harmonization 2/2
Natural Resources Conservation and Restoration 2/2
Light Pollution Reduction NA O MATERIALS AND RESOURCES 2 OF 10
Resilience Planning 4/4 Solid Waste Management Y
Waste Performance 2/4
Special Waste Streams Management NA
OTRANSPORTATION AND LAND USE 10 OF 15 Responsible Sourcing for Infrastructure NA
Transportation Performance 5/6 Material Recovery NA
Compact,Mixed Use and Transit Oriented Development NA Smart Waste Management Systems NA
Access to Quality Transit 1/1
Alternative Fuel Vehicles NA O QUALITY OF LIFE 15 OF
20
Smart Mobility and Transportation Policy 2/2 Demographic Assessment Y
High Priority Sites 2/2 Quality of life performance 4/6
rd—
Trend Improvement 3/4
WATER EFFICIENCY 4 OF 11 Distributional Equity 2/4
Water Access and Quality Y Environmental Justice 1/1
Water Performance 2/6 Housing and Transportation Affordability 2/1
Integrated Water Management NA Civic and Community Engagement 2/2
Stormwater Management 2/2 Civil and Human Rights 1/1
Smart Water Systems NA
® INNOVATION 3 OF 6
Innovation 3/6
QREGIONAL PRIORITY 2 OF 4
Regional Priority 2/4
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USGBC POPULATION CALCULATOR
11j29%2U21 EM.i IN6 VKi:WV'iiNAKY Kit'OEW
The documentation sufficiently describes the population of the county.
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CREDIT DETAILS
OIntegrative Process
Integrative Planning and Leadership Awarded: 1
POSSIBLE POINTS:1
ATTEMPTED: 1, NOT AWARDED:0, PENDING:0,AWARDED: 1
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
Awarded
Green Building Policy and Incentives Awarded: 1
POSSIBLE POINTS:4
ATTEMPTED: 1, NOT AWARDED:0, PENDING:0,AWARDED: 1
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
Option 03: Building Performance Disclosure
Buildings owned and/or operated by the local government or development authority:Awarded.
8
Natural Systems and Ecology
Ecosystem Assessment Awarded
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
Awarded.
Green Spaces Awarded:2
POSSIBLE POINTS:2
ATTEMPTED:2, NOT AWARDED:0, PENDING:0,AWARDED:2
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
Awarded.
Note the following:
I. Since the supporting narrative indicates that about 60%of the county's population (out of the 67%residing
in the 3 biggest cities) has a green space within%mile(800 meters)walking distance and remaining population
is residing in areas are surrounded by green vegetation as visible when looking at the Map 5 in document 'NS
Prerequisite Ecosystem Assessment, Attachment 1.pdf for NS Prerequisite and Figure 2 indicating population
spread in 'NS Credit Green Spaces.pdf',this is being accepted for considering over 70%of county's population
is residing within% mile of green space.
Natural Resources Conservation and Restoration Awarded:2
POSSIBLE POINTS:2
ATTEMPTED:2, NOT AWARDED:0, PENDING:0,AWARDED:2
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
Option 1. Natural Resource Acreage:
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Awarded
Light Pollution Reduction Not Attempted
POSSIBLE POINTS:1
Resilience Planning Awarded:4
POSSIBLE POINTS:4
ATTEMPTED:4,DENIED:0, PENDING:0,AWARDED:4
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
Vulnerability and capacity assessment:
Awarded.
Resilience Plan
Awarded.
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OTransportation and Land Use
Transportation Performance Awarded: 5
POSSIBLE POINTS:6
ATTEMPTED:5, NOT AWARDED:0, PENDING:0,AWARDED: 5
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
Awarded with a Transportation Performance Score of 85.
Compact, Mixed Use and Transit Oriented Development Not Attempted
POSSIBLE POINTS: 2
Access to Quality Transit Awarded: 1
POSSIBLE POINTS: 1
ATTEMPTED: 1, NOT AWARDED:0, PENDING:0,AWARDED: 1
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
Option 2. Intermodal Connectivity:
Awarded
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
Option 2. Intermodal Connectivity
1. It is unclear from the supporting documentation whether the project is referring to any particular transit
station or a transit hub with a 15-minute walkshed to demonstrate compliance with the credit requirements.
To comply with the requirements under Option 2. Intermodal Connectivity,the project team must identify one
transit station that meets the requirement.
Provide updated narrative identifying one transit station that meets the requirement as mentioned under
Option 2. Intermodal Connectivity.
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Alternative Fuel Vehicles Not Attempted
POSSIBLE POINTS:2
Smart Mobility and Transportation Policy Awarded:2
POSSIBLE POINTS:2
ATTEMPTED:2, NOT AWARDED:0, PENDING:0,AWARDED:2
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
Awarded.
High-Priority Site Awarded:2
POSSIBLE POINTS:2
ATTEMPTED:2, NOT AWARDED:0, PENDING:0,AWARDED:2
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
Option 1. Historic Preservation:
Awarded.
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OWater Efficiency
Water Access and Quality Awarded
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
Water and Sanitation Access
Awarded
Drinking water Quality
Awarded
Treated Wastewater Quality
Awarded
Storm-water Quality
Awarded
Water Performance Awarded: 2
POSSIBLE POINTS:6
ATTEMPTED: 2, NOT AWARDED:0, PENDING:0,AWARDED: 2
04/14/2022 (EXISTING FINAL REVIEW
Awarded with a water performance of 53.
----------------
Note the following:
I.The project has been able to provide documentation for 97.0%of the total county population. Given that the
potential impact of water consumption from remaining population (3.0%) would not impact the points based
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on score generated at the time of this certification, this is being accepted for this submission only. For future
submissions, ensure that data for entire population is submitted.
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
1. The supporting documentation describes the total annual domestic water supplied only for the two utilities
in Orange County- Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA) and the Town of Hillsborough. However,
information on the total annual domestic water supplied from the other two water systems of City of Mebane,
Orange-Alamance and public waterwells(if any)as mentioned in the WE Prerequisite:Water Access and Quality
couldn't be found in the supporting documentation.
Provide updated documentation describing the total annual domestic water supplied from all the public water
systems within the Orange County. Provide the revised calculation for daily per capita domestic water
consumption. Revise values in ARC, if necessary.
Integrated Water Management Withdrawn
POSSIBLE POINTS: 1
Stormwater Management Awarded:2
POSSIBLE POINTS: 2
ATTEMPTED:2, NOT AWARDED:0, PENDING:0,AWARDED:2
04/14/2022 EXISTING FINAL REVIEW
Awarded
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
Option 2: Green Stormwater Infrastructure
1. Report or other documentation on strategies adopted for inspection and maintenance of stormwater
facilities couldn't be found in the supporting documentation.
Provide narrative describing the strategies adopted for inspection and maintenance of stormwater facilities.
14
Smart Water Systems Not Attempted
POSSIBLE POINTS:2
15
OEnergy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Power Access, Reliability and Resiliency Awarded
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
Access
Case 1:Awarded
Reliability Performance Monitoring
Awarded
Power Surety and Resiliency:
Awarded.
Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Management: Awarded: 14
POSSIBLE POINTS:14
ATTEMPTED: 14,NOT AWARDED:0, PENDING:0,AWARDED: 14
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
Awarded with an energy performance score of 97.
Energy Efficiency Not Attempted
POSSIBLE POINTS:4
Renewable Energy Not Attempted
POSSIBLE POINTS:6
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Low Carbon Economy Awarded:4
POSSIBLE POINTS:4
ATTEMPTED:4, NOT AWARDED:0, PENDING:0,AWARDED:4
04/14/2022 EXISTING FINAL REVIEW
Option 1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity
Awarded
Option 2. Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity
Awarded
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
Option 1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity
1. The 2017 GDP value (7,615,147) for the county based on United States Bureau of Economic Analysis for all
industries in Orange County in thousands of chained 2012 US dollar doesn't match with the GDP value
(7,341,967) indicated in the supporting documentation IN Credit Low Carbon Economy,Attachment 1.pdf.
Provide updated GHG emissions intensity calculation for the county. Include relevant extracts from
documents/whole documents and/or links to websites, as necessary.
----------------
Note the following:
I.Thatthe total annual GHG emissions value(1,612,993 MT)used forthe calculation of GHG emissions intensity
for the year 2017 is slightly different from the total GHG emission value (1,634,869 MT) mentioned as per EN
Prerequisite Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Performance. Given that this difference in GHG emissions
value doesn't affect the overall credit compliance, it is being accepted only for this submission. For future
submissions, ensure that all data provided is consistent and correct.
Option 2. Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity
1. The GDP values used for the calculation of GHG intensity for the three consecutive years (2016, 2017 and
2018) based on United States Bureau of Economic Analysis for all industries in Orange County in thousands of
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chained 2012 US dollar do not match with the GDP values indicated in the supporting documentation 'EN Credit
Low Carbon Economy, Attachment 1.pdf'for the three consecutive years.
Provide updated calculations demonstrating a reduction in the Greenhouse Gas Intensity of the economy over
a period of three consecutive years. Include relevant extracts from documents/whole documents and/or links
to websites, as necessary.
Grid Harmonization Awarded:2
POSSIBLE POINTS:2
ATTEMPTED:2,NOT AWARDED:0, PENDING:0,AWARDED:2
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
Option 2: Demand Response
Awarded.
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OMaterials and Resources
Solid Waste Management Under Review
04/19/2022 EXISTING FINAL REVIEW
Awarded.
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
1. The C&D waste generation and diversion data for all infrastructure works, and the strategies adopted for
C&D waste diversion could not be found in the supporting documentation.
Provide updated documentation including C&D waste generation and diversion data for all infrastructure works
(new, renovation, repair or demolition) undertaken by the local authority for one full calendar year), and the
strategies adopted for C&D waste diversion.
Waste Performance Awarded: 2
POSSIBLE POINTS:4
ATTEMPTED: 2, NOT AWARDED:0, PENDING:0,AWARDED: 2
04/14/2022 EXISTING FINAL REVIEW
Awarded with a waste performance score of 59.
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
1.The C&D waste data has been deducted from total MSW generation data; however, it has not been deducted
while calculating waste diversion value.
Provide updated waste diversion calculation using correct total MSW generation data. Update values in arc, if
necessary.
Special Waste Streams Management Withdrawn
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POSSIBLE POINTS:1
Responsible Sourcing for Infrastructure Not Attempted
POSSIBLE POINTS:2
Material Recovery Withdrawn
POSSIBLE POINTS:1
Smart Waste Management Systems Not Attempted
POSSIBLE POINTS:2
20
Quality of Life
Demographic Assessment Awarded
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
Awarded
Quality of Life Performance Awarded:4
POSSIBLE POINTS:6
ATTEMPTED:4, NOT AWARDED:0, PENDING:0,AWARDED:4
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
Awarded with a quality of life performance score of 80.
Trend Improvements Awarded: 3
POSSIBLE POINTS:4
ATTEMPTED: 3, NOT AWARDED:0, PENDING:0,AWARDED: 3
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
1. Population (25 years and more)with a High School Degree:
Awarded
2. Graduation Rate:
Awarded
3. Unemployment Rate:
Awarded.
----------------
Note the following:
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I.The credit requires that the stated thresholds are achieved in the most recent reporting year, which is 2020
for the project as mentioned in the Quality-of-Life Performance prerequisite.The COVID-19 pandemic impacted
the global economy to a great extent therefore the strategy has been awarded despite the increase in
unemployment in 2020, which is outside the acceptable threshold of 3%-4%.
Distributional Equity Awarded: 2
POSSIBLE POINTS:4
ATTEMPTED: 2, NOT AWARDED:0, PENDING:0,AWARDED: 2
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
Option 2b.Graduation Rate Equity
Awarded
Option 4.Access&Proximity
Awarded
Environmental Justice Awarded: 1
POSSIBLE POINTS: 1
ATTEMPTED: 1, NOT AWARDED:0, PENDING:0,AWARDED: 1
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
Awarded
Housing and Transportation Affordability Awarded:2
POSSIBLE POINTS:2
ATTEMPTED:2, NOT AWARDED:0, PENDING:0,AWARDED:2
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
Option 1. Comprehensive Housing Policy
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Awarded
Option 4.Affordable Rental Housing Preservation
Awarded
Civic and Community Engagement Awarded: 2
POSSIBLE POINTS: 2
ATTEMPTED:2, NOT AWARDED:0, PENDING:0,AWARDED:2
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
Option 1. Diversity in Appointment to Local Advisory Board
Awarded
Option 2. Conduct Survey on Community Impact
Awarded
Civil and Human Rights Awarded: 1
POSSIBLE POINTS: 1
ATTEMPTED: 1, NOT AWARDED:0, PENDING:0,AWARDED: 1
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
Awarded
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OInnovation
Innovation Awarded:3
POSSIBLE POINTS:6
ATTEMPTED:3, NOT AWARDED:0, PENDING:0,AWARDED:3
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
Option 1: Innovation
1. Inter-Jurisdictional Climate Action:
Awarded
2. Climate tax:
Awarded
3. Food policy programs:
Awarded
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Note the following:
I. That projects can achieve a maximum of 6 points under the Innovation credit category. Project team may
choose to attempt fresh innovation strategies. However, please do remember that any new credit submissions
will be reviewed only once during the final review.
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QRegional Priority
Regional Priority Awarded:2
POSSIBLE POINTS:4
ATTEMPTED:2, NOT AWARDED:0, PENDING:0,AWARDED: 2
11/29/2021 EXISTING PRELIMINARY REVIEW
Option 2. Innovative Regional Priority
1. Regional transit and mobility:
Awarded
2. Local agriculture preservation and economic development:
Awarded
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Note the following:
I. That projects can achieve a maximum of 4 points under the Regional Priority credit category. Project team
may choose to attempt fresh regional priority strategies. However, please do remember that any new credit
submissions will be reviewed only once during the final review.
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t E E
Orange County, North Carolina
United States of America
HAS FULFILLED THE REQUIREMENTS OF LEED CERTIFICATION
ESTABLISHED BY THE U.S.GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL AND VERIFIED BY GREEN BUSINESS CERTIFICATION INC.
LEED v4.1
CITIES AND COMMUNITIES: EXISTING
April 2022
PETER TEMPLETON,PRESIDENT&CEO
U.S.GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL&GREEN BUSINESS CERTIFICATION INC.