Green Building : Green Buildings : Arlington, Virginia

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Green Building

Please note: All projects accepted by the County through the Admin Reg 4.1 process, must reflect the updated version of LEED (Version 3).

Quick Links

Arlington County Green Building Program brochure
Green Building Incentive Program
Green Building Site Plan Conditions (for projects approved before May 10, 2010)
Green Building Site Plan Conditions (for projects approved after May 10, 2010)
LEED^® Submission Requirements for Site Plan Projects
Earthcraft Submission Requirements for affordable housing projects receiving VHDA funding

What is Green Building?

Green building is a collection of land-use, building design, and construction strategies that reduce the environmental impacts that buildings have on their surroundings. Arlington County has adopted the US Green Building Council's LEED^® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design™) Green Building Rating System as a way to measure the energy and environmental performance of buildings in the County. The LEED rating system allots points within six specific categories: site location, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. LEED is a comprehensive way for any professional, business, or organization to master green building standards and practices.

Cost and Green Buildings

The cost of going green is often raised as an issue. Thoughtful project planning and team coordination – a process known as “integrated design” -- helps ensure that green components are integrated into the project as cost effectively and efficiently as possible. In many cases, “green” does not cost more. In other cases, efficient HVAC equipment, additional insulation, water efficient fixtures, etc. may cost more up front, but operating costs can be significantly reduced through the life of the building due to lower utility bills and reduced maintenance. Information and studies on the cost of green building are continually being published. The US Green Building Council maintains an up-to-date list of cost studies for green buildings.

Green Building Site Plan Conditions in Arlington (Private Development)

Arlington County encourages site plan projects to incorporate green building components and processes. Site plan projects are development projects seeking special exception to the Zoning Ordinance. The goal of this program is to reduce the environmental impacts of development. The site plan conditions outline the requirements of the program and have recently been updated -

Green Building Site Plan Conditions (for projects approved before May 10, 2010)
Green Building Site Plan Conditions (for projects approved after May 10, 2010)

Modifications to these conditions may be made on a case-by-case basis.

Green Building Fund

The County established a Green Building Fund and a policy of having site plan developers who do not commit to achieving a LEED rating from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) contribute to the Fund. The contribution is calculated at a rate of $0.045 per square foot. (This contribution calculation is based on the fees assessed by the USGBC for registration and evaluation of a formal LEED application.) The Green Building Fund is used to provide education and outreach to developers and the community on green building issues. If a project receives LEED certification from the USGBC, the Fund contribution is refunded upon receipt of the final LEED certification.

Green Building Incentive Program

Originally adopted in October 1999, the incentive program was revised and enhanced in December 2003 and again in March 2009. The program allows a private developer to apply for additional density if the project achieves a LEED award from the USGBC. The program applies to all types of building projects (office, high rise residential, etc.) achieving any one of the four LEED awards. The Bonus Density Program for Site Plans allows the developer to apply for densities additional density.

Find out more about the Green Building Incentive Program or contact the Arlington County Environmental Planning Office (703-228-4488) or the Arlington County Planning Division (703-228-3525).