City of San Diego - Sustainable Building Policy

The City of San Diego’s Sustainable Building Policy is directed by Council Policy 900-14. The policy contains regulations regarding building measures, private-sector incentives, health and resource conservation, outreach and education, and implementation.

Among the directives is a commitment City-owned, occupied or leased new construction and major renovation projects must meet LEED "Silver" Level Certification. In addition to achieving LEED Certification, Council Policy 900-14 states that City-owned and occupied new construction and major renovation projects of buildings containing more than 1,000 square feet of conditioned space must meet the energy efficiency requirements of San Diego Council Policy 900-03, Zero Emissions Municipal Buildings and Operations Policy.

Policy 900-03 requires that city-owned buildings must take actions to achieve net zero emissions by setting Energy Use Intensity (EUI) targets, specifying electric sources for space conditioning, water heating, cooking,
lighting, and all other non-emergency functions, offset energy use with renewable energy systems, and provide parking spaces equipped with EV chargers. City departments must also develop plans for the elimination of all fossil fuel combustion and the provision of EV chargers for all light duty vehicle fleets by 2035.

Additionally, Council Policy 900-18 requires the City of San Diego to purchase energy efficient equipment. All energy-consuming equipment purchased must meet either Energy Star specifications or criterion that puts products in the upper 25% of energy-efficiency, based on criteria established by the U.S. Department of Energy.