What is Green Building?

Green building is the practice of increasing the efficiency of new buildings, and reducing their impact on human health and the environment through better site location, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal.

Visit the local chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council to learn more >>

The 2030 Challenge

Mayor Chávez is a strong supporter of the standards set by the 2030 Challenge.

Are you ready for 2030? Developed right here in New Mexico, the 2030 Challenge is an aggressive call for change in the construction industry.

What's the challenge? The challenge is for the construction industry to be carbon-neutral by 2030.

Learn more >>

What is LEED?

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and it's a holistic approach to green building.

The LEED Green Building Rating System^® was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to promote and standardize sustainable buildings.

The LEED system is about more than just reducing carbon emissions, it's about a holistic approach to green building.

Learn more at the LEED website >>

Take Action

• Hire architects and contractors that support LEED.
• Use the Build Green NM guide to find a green builder for your next home.
• Are you a contractor or developer? Consider going green and sign up with Build Green NM.

More ideas >>

The City of Albuquerque is Building a Green Future

In 2005, Mayor Chávez set a new standard for building and renovating that requires all city buildings adhere to standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Read the Mayor's mandate >>

The Green Path Program

Recently Mayor Chávez issued Executive Order No. 20 which called for Adopting Energy Efficient Green Building Performance “2030 Challenge” Targets for New Municipal Projects.

The Green Path program encourages, and facilitates, voluntary design and construction of energy efficient buildings that:

• Substantially exceed code minimum.
• Only the most energy efficient buildings meet Green Path criteria.
• Green Path Energy Conservation Certificates, issued with the building permit, are official recognition by the Green Path Administrator of the extraordinary level of achievement these projects represent. 
• Albuquerque Green certificates are issued at completion of high-performance green building projects.

Tracking the Number of Green Path Projects

The Green Path Program encourages, and facilitates, voluntary design and construction of energy efficient buildings that substantially exceed code minimum. Only the most energy efficient buildings meet Green Path criteria.

Albuquerque's Partnership with Energy Star

Since only the most energy efficient projects meet Green Path criteria, it stands to reason that most, if not all, will also meet "Designed to Earn ENERGY STAR" criteria.

• EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) will calculate the projected annual energy and greenhouse gas savings for projects that meet the "Designed to Earn ENERGY STAR" criteria - useful information for reporting on the success of the Green Path Program.
• Building owners and their design teams will perceive this added recognition as an incentive and ENERGY STAR will see it as proof of our commitment, as a partner, to their program. Learn more >>
  

Revise Building Codes to Support Green Building Targets

In 2007, Mayor Martin Chávez signed the adopted revised Energy Conservation Code, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by requiring new buildings, and existing buildings undergoing alterations, to be more energy efficient.

The code applies to commercial buildings, multi-family residential buildings like apartments, and single-family dwellings. It requires:

• Commercial and multi-family residential buildings to be 30% more energy efficient than in the past.
• Single-family dwellings to use substantially more insulation, which reduces energy waste by making the most of heating and cooling.
• Single-family dwellings to use more efficient heating, cooling, ventilating, water heating, and lighting systems.
• Commercial, multi-family, and single-family buildings to pass Thermal Bypass Inspections, which are designed to inspect insulation installation and ensure "tighter" buildings with less air leakage.

Interested in learning more about the new Energy Conservation Code? Read more:

• Energy Conservation Code, Volume I
• Energy Conservation Code, Volume II

Public Access to Green Building Information

The office of the Green Building Program Manager, Plaza Del Sol 600 2nd Street NW, is a clearinghouse for green building information from a wide, and ever-increasing, variety of sources.

Information and brochures are available at the green building intake center, located at the east front counter. Including information on:

• PNM rebate and wind energy programs

• Albuquerque Water Authority rebates
• ENERGY STAR program
• United States Green Building Council
• Build Green New Mexico,
• New Mexico Solar Energy Association
• Federal and State tax credits ...and the list goes on.

A reading area is provided next to the brochure stands although most of the brochures are free-for-the-taking. 

Building Green Makes Sense for Local Businesses Too

Local companies are leading the way in developing green buildings that meet or exceed LEED standards. Whether it's using innovative materials or dramatically reducing construction waste, businesses have found that it's smart to go green.

Learn about notable projects in Albuquerque >>

The Build Green NM Program -- Building Green Homes

The Green Building Initiative has launched Build Green NM, a program to encourage residential builders and home buyers to consider their green building options. Building using green standards may cost a bit more, but it buys you:

• Energy savings

• Cleaner indoor air
• The reassurance of knowing that you are helping the environment with your home

    To learn more about this program, visit the Build Green NM guide.