City of Dallas – Green Building Policy for Municipal Buildings (Energy Efficiency Requirements)

Program Overview

Implementing Sector Local
Category Regulatory Policy
State Texas
Incentive Type Energy Standards for Public Buildings
Web Site GreenDallas - Green Buildings
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies Solar - Passive, Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Solar Photovoltaics, Wind (All), Biomass, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Daylighting, Hydroelectric (Small)
Eligible Efficiency Technologies Comprehensive Measures/Whole Building
Applicable Sectors Local Government
Energy Reduction Goal/Requirement All Proposed projects must use 15 percent less energy than the minimum provisions of Chapter 5 of the Dallas Energy Conservation Code. (Dallas Ordinance 28813 Section 326.2.2.1.3.3 Energy Efficiency)
Green Building Requirement LEED Certified
Equipment Efficiency Requirement Systems must be certified by a national, state or local accredited energy efficiency program and approved by the Energy Systems Laboratory. The United States Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR Program.
Renewable Energy Requirement See program details.

Summary

In 2003, the Dallas City Council passed a resolution requiring that all new municipal buildings larger than 10,000 square feet be constructed to meet U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification standards. In 2006 the green building program policy was updated, increasing the requirement for new city-funded public works and transportation facilities under the 2006 bond program to LEED Gold Certification.

The first building completed under this policy was the Jack Evans Police Headquarters, which obtained LEED Silver certification in December 2005. As of 2015, Dallas has 26 LEED certified facilities: 14 silver (includes 1 LEED EB), 10 gold, 1 platinum, and 1 certified. Renovations and rehabilitation projects are also directed to use LEED principles to the greatest extent that they are reasonable and practical.

The Dallas City Council has also enacted green building requirements for new residential and commercial development. 

Authorities

NameDallas City Council Resolution 03-0367
Date Enacted 01/22/2003
Name Dallas Green Construction Code
Date Enacted 09/26/2012
Name Dallas Ordinance 28813 Section 326.2.2.1.3.3 Energy Efficiency

Contact

Meenal Chauk
Organization:
City of Dallas Public Works Department
Address:
320 E. Jefferson Blvd., Room 321
Dallas, TX 75203
Phone:
(214) 948-4091
E-Mail:
bigreencode@dallascityhall.com
Tyrus “Eddie” Small

 

Address:
320 E. Jefferson Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75203
Phone:
(214) 948-4035
E-Mail:
bigreencode@dallascityhall.com