Thinking of the sprawling, materialistic metropolis of Las Vegas can send shivers up the spine of any environmental advocate: excessive water use, unsustainable urban planning, and unnatural buildings in the middle of a desert. Over 50 green, manicured golf courses in an area that shouldn’t have one. The ostentatious display of water flowing in monumental fountains, combined with a car-dependent population and enormous energy inefficient buildings, will leave anyone doubtful of sustainable developments in the building sector any time soon.
Yet new legislation is being considered in Las Vegas that will jumpstart the green building movement. At least we hope. As of March 2009, the debate continues over increasing tax credits for sustainable buildings throughout the state. The outcome looks good, as stimulus funding is flowing from the federal government to jumpstart the green economy. What’s more, the National Clean Energy Summit 2.0 was held in Las Vegas this past Monday, August 10th, a sign that things might be changing in this desert oasis.
Meanwhile, some developers have decided to take matters into their own hands by creating a 62- acre “eco-development.” Spearheaded by MGM, the city’s new CityCenter is expected to be complete by the end of this year and perhaps become the nation’s largest LEED-certified project. There is talk of other developers following suit.
The developers hope to reduce utility bills, decrease energy use, and foster a healthier environment for guests and employees.
The increased attention being paid to Las Vegas as a potential center for environmental leadership will help make green building mainstream. While Nevada may lack water, it certainly does not lack sun. As the National Clean Energy Summit leaders remarked, “Nevada has abundant clean energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and efficiency technologies that could be developed to meet its future energy needs. The question is whether Nevadans—and all Americans—will shift to a clean energy economy.”
