The City of Sarasota has achieved LEED Gold certification with the U.S. Green Building Council. The certification recognizes the City’s commitment to improving sustainability and resilience through practical and measurable strategies. Gold certification is the second highest level awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council based on its LEED for Cities rating system. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system.

“Being LEED certified to the Gold level is a significant achievement for the City,” said Sustainability Coordinator Jeff Vredenburg. “It highlights the City’s dedication to creating and tracking specific innovative plans to attain sustainability goals for improved quality of life for our residents and visitors.”

The City is taking an innovative, responsible and holistic approach to sustainability. In addition to tracking performance levels with traditional targets, such as energy and water consumption, programs that create a healthier environment and boost residents’ quality of life are also being documented. Bicycle and e-scooter rentals, the Bay Runner trolley, The Bay Park and public art in roundabouts are among the City’s new sustainability and resiliency initiatives being studied. The City of Sarasota is now a LEED case study with data available online that can be reviewed and compared to other communities worldwide. Learn more about the City of Sarasota Sustainability program at www.SarasotaFL.gov.