City among 17 U.S. communities gaining support for sustainability efforts

 

The U.S. Green Building Council has accepted Longmont as part of its LEED For Cities certification program, a process to help communities across the country plan and manage sustainable development.   

 

Longmont is one of 17 U.S. cities accepted for the program this year. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is well-known as a voluntary rating system for “green” building construction. LEED For Cities takes that a step further by helping measure sustainability efforts at the community level.  

 

“This is a great reflection of what Longmont has already done and it opens up possibilities for the future,” said Lisa Knoblauch, the City’s sustainability manager. “This certification will help us benchmark the progress we’ve made, identify opportunities to further advance progress toward sustainability goals and may even attract new economic investments to our community.”  

 

Longmont adopted its current Sustainability Plan in 2016, followed by its Climate Action Recommendations Report in 2020.   

 

The 17 cities in the 2026 LEED For Cities cohort will meet monthly to share concerns, troubleshoot issues and help each other complete the certification process. This year, the group includes two other Colorado communities: Westminster and Commerce City.

  

All fees for the program were waived, allowing Longmont to participate at no charge.  

 

“Local governments are a driving force behind creating more sustainable, healthier communities for all residents,” said Peter Templeton, president and CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council in a statement. “Through the LEED for Cities certification program, these forward-thinking municipalities are setting ambitious goals, measuring their progress, and demonstrating leadership in improving community health, efficiency, resilience, and livability.” 

  

 

About Longmont, Colorado   

Longmont, Colorado, is a 29-square-mile city with more than 300 days of sunshine and a spectacular vista of the Rocky Mountains. With a population of over 100,000, Longmont sits at an elevation of 4,979 feet above sea level. With more than 1,800 acres of parks and open space, a robust craft beer scene, thriving art culture, fresh dining opportunities, and a Main Street teaming with new energy, Longmont is perfect for everyone from young families to those young at heart. Longmont is also home to several high-tech companies and a nationally recognized school district. Longmont is located in Boulder County conveniently situated 37 miles from Denver, 16 miles from Boulder and 30 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park.