Table Of Contents
- 1. New York City, New York
- 2. San Francisco, California
- 3. Los Angeles, California
- 4. Seattle, Washington
- 5. Boston, Massachusetts
- 6. Washington, D.C.
- 7. Denver, Colorado
- 8. Portland, Oregon
- 9. Austin, Texas
- 10. Philadelphia, PA
- 11. Chicago, Illinois
- 12. Minneapolis, MN
- 13. San Jose, California
- 14. Sacramento, California
- 15. Toronto, Ontario
- 16. Vancouver, British Columbia
- 17. Mississauga, Ontario
Table Of Contents
- 1. New York City, New York
- 2. San Francisco, California
- 3. Los Angeles, California
- 4. Seattle, Washington
- 5. Boston, Massachusetts
- 6. Washington, D.C.
- 7. Denver, Colorado
- 8. Portland, Oregon
- 9. Austin, Texas
- 10. Philadelphia, PA
- 11. Chicago, Illinois
- 12. Minneapolis, MN
- 13. San Jose, California
- 14. Sacramento, California
- 15. Toronto, Ontario
- 16. Vancouver, British Columbia
- 17. Mississauga, Ontario
Sustainability in architecture is no longer optional; it's a necessity as cities worldwide adopt stringent regulations to combat climate change and promote energy efficiency. Architects play a critical role in designing buildings that not only meet their clients' aesthetic and functional needs but also comply with increasingly stringent sustainability mandates.
Let’s explore 17 cities where sustainability regulations for buildings are classified as "high” – categorized by how intense their sustainable building practices are - showcasing how strict, yet forward-thinking, these regions are in enforcing green building practices.
1. New York City, New York
Stringency: High
New York City has some of the most stringent sustainability regulations in the U.S., aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable construction practices. These regulations affect a wide range of building types, with many architecture firms dedicated to supporting the city's sustainability goals.
Notable regulations include:
Local Law 97: Requires buildings over 25,000 sq ft to cut emissions by 40% by 2030 or face penalties.
NYC Energy Conservation Code: Mandates energy efficiency in new constructions and renovations.
One NYC 2050 Plan: A long-term plan targeting sustainability through reduced emissions, renewable energy investments, and expanded green spaces
Key Building Types Affected:
Commercial office buildings, multifamily residential, institutional, and mixed-use developments
Architecture Firms Working on Sustainable Projects:
· FXCollaborative, BKSK Architects, Schwartz+Architecture, Rodeo arkitekter, Gensler
Specific Sustainability Goals or Initiatives:
2. San Francisco, California
Stringency: High
San Francisco is a leader in sustainable building practices, with highly stringent regulations like the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen), which mandates sustainability measures for new constructions and major renovations. These strict regulations and initiatives aim to reduce the environmental impact of construction, promoting resilient and environmentally responsible urban development.
Notable regulations include:
CALGreen: California Green Building Standards Code, setting energy efficiency and sustainable design standards.
Sustainable Building Ordinance: Requires LEED Silver certification or equivalent for buildings over 10,000 sq ft.
Zero Waste by 2030v: A citywide goal to divert all waste from landfills by 2030.
Key Building Types Affected:
Commercial, residential, public, and large developments
Architecture Firms Working on Sustainable Projects:
• EHDD Architecture, Kwan Henmi Architecture/Planning, Perkins&Will, Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects (LMSA), RMW Architecture & Interiors
Specific Sustainability Goals or Initiatives:
3. Los Angeles, California
Stringency: High
Los Angeles, one of the largest U.S. cities, has made significant strides in sustainable building practices by implementing stringent regulations for new construction and major renovations. These efforts reflect the city’s commitment to creating a healthier and more efficient urban landscape through sustainability-focused initiatives.
Notable regulations include:
LA Green Building Ordinance: Requires sustainable building practices for new commercial and residential projects.
CALGreen: Statewide standards that set green building and energy-saving measures.
Specific Plans and Community Plans: Tailored sustainability requirements for various neighborhoods.
Key Building Types Affected:
Commercial, residential, mixed-use, and public buildings.
Architecture Firms Working on Sustainable Projects:
· Gensler, MERO Architecture, Studio One Eleven, KFA Architecture, SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill)
Specific Sustainability Goals or Initiatives:
4. Seattle, Washington
Stringency: High
Seattle is a recognized leader in sustainable building practices, with high-stringency regulations aimed at promoting energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and fostering environmental stewardship in construction. The city’s robust regulatory framework, combined with the efforts of innovative architectural firms, positions Seattle as a forward-thinking city committed to long-term sustainability initiatives.
Notable regulations include:
Seattle Energy Code: Updated regularly to enforce strict energy performance standards for buildings.
Seattle Green Building Policies: Mandates green building benchmarks for new projects.
Building Tune-Ups Program: Requires regular energy performance checks to ensure efficiency over time.
Key Building Types Affected:
Multifamily residential, commercial, public, and mixed-use buildings.
Architecture Firms Working on Sustainable Projects:
Mithun, ZGF Architects, Bora Architecture, Heilman|Lowe, Marmol Radziner
Specific Sustainability Goals or Initiatives:
Green Building Ordinance
5. Boston, Massachusetts
Stringency: High
Boston is recognized for its progressive approach to sustainable building practices, with stringent regulations and initiatives aimed at promoting energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. Supported by active involvement from private architecture firms, the city is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable building in the northeastern United States.
Notable regulations include:
BERDO (Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance): Requires energy reporting and transparency for large buildings.
Boston Green Building Ordinance: LEED standards for new buildings over 20,000 sq ft.
Zoning Code Sustainability Criteria: Energy performance standards for large developments.
Key Building Types Affected:
Commercial, residential, institutional, and major renovations.
Architecture Firms Working on Sustainable Projects:
HMFH Architects, Payette, Sasaki, Davis Square Architects, Boston Architectural College (BAC)
Specific Sustainability Goals or Initiatives:
6. Washington, D.C.
Stringency: High
Washington, D.C. has established itself as a leader in sustainable building practices, with highly stringent regulations focused on reducing energy use, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting sustainable construction. Supported by a strong community of architecture firms and comprehensive sustainability initiatives, the city is committed to creating an ecologically friendly built environment.
Notable regulations include:
Green Building Act: Requires LEED certification for all new public buildings.
Energy Conservation Code: Enforces energy-saving measures across all building types.
Sustainable DC Plan: A broader initiative to make D.C. the healthiest, greenest city by 2032.
Key Building Types Affected:
Commercial, residential, public, and institutional buildings.
Architecture Firms Working on Sustainable Projects:
SmithGroup, HOK, Gensler, Kendall/Heaton Associates, Wiedemann Architects
Specific Sustainability Goals or Initiatives:
Sustainable DC 2.0
7. Denver, Colorado
Stringency: High
Denver has made significant strides in sustainable building practices, adopting strict regulations as part of its climate action plan. The Denver Green Code, launched in 2017, sets comprehensive guidelines for energy efficiency, water conservation, and overall sustainability in building designs. It mandates that new buildings meet specific energy performance standards and incentivizes the use of green materials. These initiatives demonstrate Denver's commitment to promoting environmentally responsible development while addressing the challenges of climate change and urbanization, with sustainable practices increasingly embraced by developers, designers, and the community.
Notable regulations include:
Denver Green Code: Mandates sustainability practices in building designs.
Energy Benchmarking: Requires large buildings to track and improve energy performance.
Key Building Types Affected:
Residential, commercial, public, and industrial facilities.
Architecture Firms Working on Sustainable Projects:
Boulder Associates Architects, Gensler, RNL Design, Klein Dytham Architecture
Specific Sustainability Goals or Initiatives:
Building Energy Benchmarking
8. Portland, Oregon
Stringency: High
Portland has implemented robust sustainability regulations, emphasizing energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. The city enforces stringent codes, including the Oregon State Energy Code and its Green Building Policy, requiring new commercial buildings to meet or exceed LEED Silver certification. Additionally, the Energy Conservation Measures (ECM) mandate further sustainability in building designs. Portland’s leadership in sustainable building practices positions it as a model for cities aiming to reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainable living spaces.
Notable regulations include:
Portland Energy Conservation Measures (ECM): Enforces energy efficiency for new buildings.
Green Building Policy: LEED Silver standards for new commercial developments.
Key Building Types Affected:
Commercial, multifamily housing, public buildings, and single-family homes.
Architecture Firms Working on Sustainable Projects:
SERA Architects, MAKERS Architecture and Urban Design, ZGF Architects, Hacker Architects, Portland Architecture
Specific Sustainability Goals or Initiatives:
9. Austin, Texas
Stringency: High
Austin, Texas, has become a leader in sustainable building practices, with stringent regulations designed to promote energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The city enforces mandatory codes that encourage sustainability in building projects while fostering innovation in urban development. Austin’s approach not only ensures compliance with regulations but also actively engages the community in sustainable practices, creating a healthier and more environmentally responsible urban landscape.
Notable regulations include:
Austin Energy Conservation Code: Enforces strict energy efficiency standards for new buildings.
Green Building Program: Applies to municipal and private developments.
Water Efficiency Requirements: Promotes water-saving measures in all new constructions.
Key Building Types Affected:
Residential, commercial, municipal, and mixed-use developments.
Architecture Firms Working on Sustainable Projects:
Alterstudio Architecture, Dick Clark + Associates, Studio 8 Architects, Return Architects, HOK
Specific Sustainability Goals or Initiatives:
Austin Climate Equity Plan
10. Philadelphia, PA
Stringency: High
Philadelphia has increasingly prioritized sustainable building practices, adopting mandatory regulations to reduce the environmental impact of buildings. Key measures include the Philadelphia Building Code and the Philadelphia Energy Code, which align with or exceed the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, incorporating energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable materials. These regulations reflect Philadelphia’s commitment to sustainable development, with a strong focus on architecture, energy efficiency, and community engagement, positioning the city as a leader in proactive sustainability strategies.
Notable regulations include:
Philadelphia Energy Code: Ensures energy efficiency compliance.
Zero Waste Initiative: Encourages sustainable building practices to reduce landfill contributions.
Key Building Types Affected:
Commercial, residential, institutional, and renovation projects.
Architecture Firms Working on Sustainable Projects:
Vitetta, Ruth & Ruth Architects, Klein and Hoffman, Gensler, HOK
Specific Sustainability Goals or Initiatives:
11. Chicago, Illinois
Stringency: High
Chicago is a leader in sustainable building practices, implementing progressive regulations aimed at promoting energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints. The Chicago Energy Conservation Code (CECC) enhances energy standards, aligning with the city’s climate action goals, while the Illinois Energy Code and Chicago Sustainable Development Policy mandate green building practices for public projects and incentivize private developments. With strong regulations and active participation from private firms, Chicago's building sector is advancing toward greater sustainability.
Notable regulations include:
Chicago Energy Conservation Code (CECC): Aligns with the city’s climate action goals by enhancing energy efficiency standards.
Chicago Sustainable Development Policy: Mandates green building practices for public projects and incentivizes private developments.
Key Building Types Affected:
Commercial, residential, public, and institutional buildings.
Architecture Firms Working on Sustainable Projects:
Gensler, FitzGerald Associates Architects, Studio Gang, Koo Architecture, SmithGroup
Specific Sustainability Goals or Initiatives:
LEED Certification Goals
12. Minneapolis, MN
Stringency: High
Minneapolis, Minnesota, is committed to sustainability, with comprehensive regulations promoting energy efficiency and environmentally friendly building practices. The Minneapolis Energy Benchmarking Ordinance mandates that certain commercial buildings report their annual energy use, while the Minneapolis Building Code includes provisions for energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable materials. These initiatives position Minneapolis as a leader in sustainable building, addressing environmental concerns and future urban development needs.
Notable regulations include:
Minneapolis Energy Benchmarking Ordinance: Requires large commercial buildings to report annual energy use.
Minneapolis Building Code: Incorporates energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable materials.
Key Building Types Affected:
Commercial, multifamily residential, public, and institutional buildings.
Architecture Firms Working on Sustainable Projects:
BDH+Young, HGA, RSP Architects, Cuningham Group Architecture, Snow Kreilich Architects
Specific Sustainability Goals or Initiatives:
13. San Jose, California
Stringency: High
San Jose, California, is a leader in sustainable building practices, with a range of regulations and initiatives promoting energy efficiency and green construction. The city follows the California Building Standards Code (CALGreen), which sets high standards for sustainability, while local ordinances further enhance these requirements. With stringent regulations, innovative architectural practices, and community-focused sustainability initiatives, San Jose is at the forefront of sustainable development.
Notable regulations include:
CALGreen: Requires energy-efficient design, water conservation, and sustainable materials in new construction.
San Jose’s Green Building Ordinance: Enforces local sustainability measures beyond state requirements.
Key Building Types Affected:
Residential, commercial, public, and multifamily housing developments.
Architecture Firms Working on Sustainable Projects:
Mithun, PAU (Architecture & Urban Design), Swatt | Miers Architects, HOK, SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill)
Specific Sustainability Goals or Initiatives:
14. Sacramento, California
Stringency: High
Sacramento, California, has been proactive in promoting sustainable building practices, implementing stringent regulations that align with California’s statewide codes (Title 24) focused on energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable materials. The city has additional ordinances to enhance these standards, emphasizing energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and climate resilience. Sacramento’s initiatives are geared towards fostering an environmentally sustainable future.
Notable regulations include:
CALGreen: Sets the baseline for energy efficiency and green building practices.
Sacramento’s Green Building Ordinance: Mandates LEED Silver certification for city-owned buildings.
Zero Net Energy (ZNE) Goals: Targets for all new residential buildings to be ZNE by 2020.
Key Building Types Affected:
Residential, commercial, public, and municipal buildings.
Architecture Firms Working on Sustainable Projects:
Dreyfuss + Blackford Architecture, KMD Architects, Fentress Architects, SmithGroup, WMB Architects
Specific Sustainability Goals or Initiatives:
15. Toronto, Ontario
Stringency: High
Toronto, Ontario, is recognized for its proactive approach to sustainability, implementing some of Canada's most stringent building regulations. The city’s Toronto Green Standard (TGS) mandates sustainable design principles for all new residential developments, ensuring compliance with sustainability goals. These initiatives position Toronto as a leader in combating climate change and urban degradation while continuously improving the quality of its architecture and environment.
Notable regulations include:
Toronto Green Standard (TGS): Requires new developments to incorporate sustainability features such as energy efficiency, green roofs, and water conservation.
Green Roof Bylaw: Mandatory for certain building types, promoting green spaces and stormwater management.
Key Building Types Affected:
Residential, commercial, and institutional buildings.
Architecture Firms Working on Sustainable Projects:
Perkins and Will, KPMB Architects, Stantec, B+H Architects, GH+A Design Studios
Specific Sustainability Goals or Initiatives:
16. Vancouver, British Columbia
Stringency: High
Vancouver, British Columbia, is a leader in sustainable building practices, guided by the City of Vancouver's Green Building Policy and the province’s BC Energy Step Code. These stringent regulations focus on energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of sustainable materials. Vancouver has set its own requirements above provincial standards to align with its ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals. Through these initiatives, Vancouver actively promotes sustainability and innovative designs to achieve its environmental objectives.
Notable regulations include:
BC Energy Step Code: A progressive framework for achieving net-zero energy-ready buildings by 2032.
Vancouver Building Bylaw: Sets enhanced energy performance standards for new developments.
Key Building Types Affected:
Residential, commercial, institutional, and renovations/retrofits.
Architecture Firms Working on Sustainable Projects:
Morrison Hershfield, Henriquez Partners Architects, BC Housing, BKA Architects, Revery Architecture
Specific Sustainability Goals or Initiatives:
17. Mississauga, Ontario
Stringency: High
Mississauga, Ontario, has increasingly emphasized sustainable building practices, adhering to Ontario’s Building Code, which incorporates measures for energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The city has also implemented local policies, such as the Mississauga Official Plan, emphasizing sustainable development. Recent regulations require new residential buildings to comply with Ontario’s Energy Efficiency standards, demonstrating a high level of stringency, particularly for larger developments. Mississauga’s proactive approach to sustainability reflects its commitment to environmental stewardship in urban development.
Notable regulations include:
Ontario Building Code: Enforces energy efficiency standards for new constructions.
Mississauga Official Plan: Encourages sustainable building and development practices.
Key Building Types Affected:
Residential, commercial, and institutional buildings.
Architecture Firms Working on Sustainable Projects:
Graham Architecture, IBI Group, HOK, Sustainable Architect, KPMB Architects
Specific Sustainability Goals or Initiatives:
As sustainability regulations become more stringent across cities, architects must stay ahead of the curve by incorporating sustainable practices into every aspect of their designs. Navigating these complex regulations can be challenging, but tools like cove.tool's Vitras.ai make it easier. Vitras.ai can generate zoning reports for over 100 North American cities, helping architects seamlessly integrate sustainability requirements into their projects. With the right tools, architects can lead the way toward a greener, more sustainable future.
