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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.”

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I imagine that if you are reading this blog you are already well aware that reducing CO2 emissions requires much more than just a few less miles in your SUV.  In fact, restructuring our transportation economy, which accounts for only 27% of US energy consumption, is only a quarter of the solution. The real culprit is the US building sector, which accounts for a startling 48% of US energy consumption. What we  really need in order to slow and stop global warming is a complete revolution of the US building economy.

At least, that is the case presented by Architecture 2030, and I am inclined to believe them. According to Architecture 2030, “Seventy-six percent (76%) of all power plant-generated electricity is used just to operate buildings.” That percentage is a startling percentage. Therefore, in order to keep global warming under 1 degree centigrade, Architecture 2030 is encouraging everyone to adopt “The 2030 Challenge.”

The challenge is simple:

“All new buildings, developments and major renovations shall be designed to meet a fossil fuel, GHG-emitting, energy consumption performance standard of 50% of the regional (or country) average for that building type.

“At a minimum, an equal amount of existing building area shall be renovated annually to meet a fossil fuel, GHG-emitting, energy consumption performance standard of 50% of the regional (or country) average for that building type.

“The fossil fuel reduction standard for all new buildings and major renovations shall be increased to:

• 60% in 2010
• 70% in 2015
• 80% in 2020
• 90% in 2025
• Carbon-neutral in 2030 (using no fossil fuel GHG emitting energy to operate).

“These targets may be accomplished by implementing innovative sustainable design strategies, generating on-site renewable power and/or purchasing (20% maximum) renewable energy and/or certified renewable energy credits.”

But the word challenge is operative here. Unlike LEED, which sets a standard, has a means of measurement, and provides ratings and certification, The 2030 Challenge asks only that you adopt the challenge and strive to reach it. The list of adopters and supporters is impressive, with the mayors of Chicago, Miami, and Seattle, the state of New Mexico, World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and the EPA among others. You can add your name to the list by adopting the challenge here and pursuing the set standards in your personal building projects.

I tend to be a bit pessimistic about lofty endeavors with high-goals and limited practical advice, such as Architecture 2030. It has plenty of prescriptions for energy efficiency and carbon neutrality levels, but offers little information on how to get there. However, if you are looking for the highest benchmarks for your next remodeling or building project, Architecture 2030 is the place to go. And with or without practical advice, Architecture 2030 is right, the only way to US energy sustainability is through revolutionizing our building sector.

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In 2000, Battery Park City expanded its building guidelines to require all buildings to meet LEED certification requirements. A risky move at the time, it has since proven to be a boon to the neighborhood. With 8 residential buildings and one commercial building now LEED certified, some of the biggest developers moved into the area, and apartments going for 4 or 5 percent above average, Battery Park City seems to be proving that New York City is ready and eager to go green. According to Leticia Remauro, spokeswoman for the Battery Park City Authority, “People have demonstrated they prefer to live in a healthier building. They show this by their willingness to pay higher rents. We have literally changed the marketplace.”

With the most recent addition of The Visionaire residential community, developed by the Albanese Organization, Battery Park City can now boast to be home of America’s most sustainable residential community. The Albanese organization announced earlier this month that The Visionaire has been LEED platinum certified by the USGBC with the highest score of any residential community in the United States. The aesthetically pleasing and well-located building features a roof garden for rain catchment and insulation, solar panels for energy harvest, natural gas powered central heating and cooling systems, and in-building water filtration and wastewater treatment systems, too name a few. And this is the only the most recent of the Albanese Organization’s sustainable developments in Battery Park City. They also developed LEED Gold certified residential community The Solaire and the first LEED Platinum certified residential high rise in the U.S., The Verdesian. With the combination of the highest standards of sustainability, perfect design, and prime Manhattan location, The Visionaire and its siblings are proving that sustainable is not only doable in the big city, but also comfortable and stylish. So thank you, Battery Park City, for leading the way.

Check out some of the other LEED certified buildings in New York City: Archstone Clinton, The Octagon, and the Kalahari.

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