September 12, 2006 > Fremont city council adopts sustainability policy

On July 25th, the Fremont City Council joined the growing ranks of cities in the Bay Area by adopting a formal policy promoting sustainable practices in landscaping and building design. The policy requires use of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards to be incorporated in design, construction, operation and maintenance for new City facilities.

The city's new policy is a formal adoption of various "green" practices that the City was already using when possible, said Jill Keimach, Fremont's Community Development Director.

"We have used green building practices to conserve energy and water in the Irvington Community Center in 1995 and the Police Building in 1996, and we plan to use them in three new fire stations underway as part of voter-approved Measure R in 2002," said Ronnie Fong, Senior Civil Engineer.  The Community Center and Police Building included green elements such as high efficiency lighting, reflective roofing, energy management systems, ice storage systems for air conditioning, high efficiency heating and cooling systems, and use of local and renewable materials.  Combined, these practices have resulted in over $500,000 in savings over the last ten years.

Under the policy, new buildings or additions of 10,000 square feet or more will be required to qualify for silver LEED for New Construction (LEED-NC) certification. New construction of less than 10,000 square feet will achieve the equivalent of at least a LEED silver certification level where technically feasible.

The policy also indicates the City's intent to promote sustainable building and landscaping practices by developers, contractors, and the general public.  As one example later this month, the City Council will consider reducing building permit fees for the installation of solar panels.

For more information about the Sustainability Policy, contact Policy and Special Projects Manager Dan Schoenholz, 510/494.4438 dschoenholz@ci.fremont.ca.us, or Senior Civil Engineer Ron Fong at 510/494.4778 or rfong@ci.fremont.ca.us.