Energy.gov

The City of Phoenix has had energy standards for public buildings in place since 2005. In June 2005, the Phoenix City Council adopted a policy requiring all new city buildings built with 2006 bond funds to at least meet the LEED Certified level.

In 2006, this requirement was modified to incorporate additional energy-related standards for new city buildings. The new standards passed in 2006 are more stringent than the LEED Certified level and state that: landscape and exterior designs must reduce the urban heat island effect; at least 50% of construction waste should be diverted from landfills; a LEED-accredited professional must be on the design team; and buildings should use 50% less water in landscaping, 20% less water in interiors and 30% less energy overall when compared to the Energy Policy Act of 1992.