SE Valley Times

In a recent announcement, the City of Tempe in Arizona revealed its achievement of LEED Gold certification, a prestigious recognition by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Tempe stands out as the only city in Arizona to attain this esteemed status, joining a select group of LEED-certified communities in the state.

Director of Transportation and Sustainability Department, Eric Iwersen, highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating, "To be a LEED city means that sustainability values aren’t just happening in a silo but integrated within each department and citywide, decisions and plans are being made by thinking through the social, economic, and environmental impacts for our residents."

Tempe's successful LEED certification was based on various criteria, with the city earning high marks in key categories such as Resilience Planning, Transportation Performance, and Trend Improvements. Notably, Tempe scored maximum points in areas like Resilience Planning, which focuses on enhancing community resilience to various risks and extreme events.

The city's commitment to sustainable transportation was also recognized, with Tempe excelling in promoting non-motorized transport and reducing pollution from the transportation sector. Furthermore, Tempe demonstrated continuous improvement in quality of life metrics, earning praise for factors like education levels, small business presence, and employment rates.

Tempe's LEED Gold certification reflects its dedication to environmental stewardship and community well-being, as the city implements responsible and sustainable practices across various aspects of urban life. By achieving this milestone, Tempe joins a global network of over 150 certified cities and communities, reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainability initiatives.

Arizona cities like Phoenix, Tucson, Chandler, and Peoria have also made significant strides in sustainability, with Phoenix notably achieving Platinum-level certification. Tempe's LEED Gold status underscores its ongoing efforts to create a more resilient, equitable, and environmentally conscious urban environment for its residents.