The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced today that the City of Las Cruces is one of 75 U.S. cities to receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for its new Cities Program. LEED is a program that sets international standards for the design, construction, and maintenance of environmentally sustainable buildings and infrastructure, and now, cities and communities.
In October 2015, Las Cruces received recognition as a 3-STAR Community rating. STAR Communities recent integration with USGBC extends Las Cruces’ recognition as a LEED certified city further highlighting the City’s commitment to equitable, safe, healthy, sustainable development.
Las Cruces has embraced LEED principles for over a decade. Seven city facilities including the Las Cruces Convention Center, City Hall, Museum of Nature and Science, Regional Aquatic Center, Mesilla Valley Intermodal Transit Terminal, Fire Station 7, and East Mesa Public Safety Complex are either LEED certified or waiting final approval.
“The City is in the process of transitioning to performance-based management,” said Mayor Ken Miyagishima. “LEED helps cities and communities benchmark current performance, track performance metrics, communicate continuous improvement, educate residents, visitors and business owners to demonstrate commitment to sustainability, human health and economic prosperity.”