Developers in Alexandria will encounter less stringent Green Building Policy standards.

The city of Alexandria has announced an update to its Green Building Policy, aiming to create more regulatory certainty, focus on the most impactful solutions, and reduce unnecessary costs associated with certification.

According to a new report, the updated policy will allow for compliance with either the 2019 or 2025 Green Building Policy for special use permit applications submitted between October 30 and December 31. The 2019 policy, while successful in elevating sustainability in projects, did not effectively reduce energy use and create resilient buildings.

The focus of the 2025 Green Building Policy is on improving air quality, reducing environmental impact, and ensuring utility and community resilience. It places a significant focus on Energy Use Intensity (EUI), renewable energy generation, and building electrification.

For public projects, the city proposes that 100% of stormwater treatment at developments will be through green infrastructure, and properties will consume net-zero energy. Newly-installed appliances at projects, such as residential clothes washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and ice machines, must have an ENERGY STAR label.

Third-party certification may be used when technically and financially feasible for certain projects. However, unlike the 2019 policy, third-party approvals are no longer required for developments.

The updated policy also aims to reduce unnecessary costs for city certification. The city of Alexandria hopes that this change will make it easier for projects to adhere to the Green Building Policy.

A public comment period was initiated in April for the 2025 Green Building Policy. The search results do not provide information about which authorities will be involved in the future revision of Alexandria's Green Building Policies.

City-owned facilities that don't require a special use permit approval will follow LEED Interior Design & Construction (ID+C) and LEED Operations & Maintenance (O&M) rating systems as guidelines.

The updated Green Building Policy is part of Alexandria's commitment to sustainability and creating a greener city. For more details on the proposed update, residents and businesses are encouraged to visit the city's official website.

Developers in Alexandria will encounter less stringent Green Building Policy standards.