CHAMBLEE, Ga. - The city of Chamblee (a suburb of Atlanta) is now the greenest city in Georgia and the Southeast, says the U.S. Green Building Council. The Chamblee City Council voted unanimously to require all private development 20,000 square feet or greater to become Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified, in addition to all future municipal buildings regardless of size. Chamblee is the first city in the state of Georgia to mandate LEED certification for private development.

“This is a historic vote,” Councilman Mark Wedge said. “Chamblee is leading the way for effective legislation which will mandate green building guidelines and help the environment - I am certain other cities in Georgia will follow our example.” The LEED Green Building Rating System, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, provides a suite of standards for environmentally sustainable construction.

Mark Wedge, the councilman who spearheaded this issue, believes requiring LEED certification on future projects will enhance the long-term sustainability of Chamblee. “With China and India coming online requiring vast amounts of energy for their growing economies, oil prices will only continue to rise and our environment will continue to be strained. People are wanting green construction where they live and work. Our environment is in trouble and we must lead by example in promoting the best use of development for the long-term sustainability of the city of Chamblee. By reducing energy and water consumption via LEED, Chamblee is setting a great example for other cities in Georgia to follow. Our city is way ahead of the curve on this issue.”

Publication date: 05/19/2008