Green Building History

Originally adopted in 1999 and updated in 2003, 2009, 2012, 2014, 2019, 2020, and 2025, Arlington's Green Building Incentive Policy has supported the development of more than 110 sustainable projects. These buildings contribute to a community that uses less energy and water, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and provides healthier spaces for residents and workers.  

The Green Building Incentive Policy has helped propel Arlington County to the forefront of sustainable development, proving that a clear commitment to high-performance buildings can deliver long-lasting benefits for the community.

Private Development History

1999 – Pilot Program Adoption

  • Arlington County Board adopts the Pilot Green Building Incentive Program (October 1999).
  • Program based on the USGBC LEED rating system.
  • Offered up to 0.25 FAR bonus density for office buildings achieving LEED Silver.
  • Only one project ultimately applied and received bonus density.

 

2003 – Program Update

  • Expanded to include all site plan project types:
    • Office
    • Residential
    • Mixed-use
  • Applies to all LEED certification levels.
  • Creation of the Green Building Fund intended to support education and outreach on green building topics.

 

2009 – Program Update

  • Bonus density amounts adjusted based on growing market acceptance of LEED.
  • Increased density available for residential projects to encourage participation.

 

2012 – Program Update

  • Program revised to support greenhouse gas reduction goals from Arlington’s Community Energy Plan.
  • Projects may request bonus density by committing to:
    • A minimum level of energy savings, and
    • LEED Silver certification or higher
  • Participating projects must report energy usage for 10 years.
  • Additional, smaller bonus density available for committing to:
    • LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance (O+M), or
    • ENERGY STAR building certification

 

2014 – Program Update

  • Program updated to adopt LEED v4.
  • Projects may request bonus density for achieving LEED Silver or higher.
  • Commercial office projects receiving bonus density must achieve ENERGY STAR certification within 4 years of occupancy.
  • Additional 0.025 FAR available for achieving up to two Arlington Priority Credits.
  • Projects that meet all of the following may apply for bonus density above 0.55 FAR:
    • LEED Gold certification
    • Two Arlington Priority Credits
    • Net Zero Energy Building certification (International Living Future Institute)
    • Affordable housing projects with VHDA tax credits may use EarthCraft Gold or Platinum as an alternative to LEED.

 

2020 - Program Update

  • Higher levels of energy efficiency.
  • Post-occupancy building performance and certification.
  • Introduction of Baseline Prerequisites and Extra List Items.
  • Introduction of International Living Future Institute's (ILFI) Zero Carbon Certification and Passive House International U.S. (PHIUS) Plus certification.

 

2025 - Program Update

  • Streamlines the Policy and the number of pathways.
  • Proposes targeted incentives that balance future-facing green building enhancements with developer uptake potential, County financial resources and available tools.
  • Prioritizes energy efficiency and carbon reduction actions in the Baseline Prerequisites.
  • Refines Baseline Prerequisites and Extra List Items (1) where there are broader County initiatives or (2) where LEED v5 credits lead to a similar outcome. 
Back to top