Charlottesville adopts new high performance building resolution

For immediate release – April 7, 2026

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - The City of Charlottesville announces the adoption of a High Performance Building Resolution for City buildings. This new resolution replaces an initial 2009 Green Building Resolution and marks continued progress on the City’s efforts on sustainability, climate action, and operational excellence in municipal facilities.

This resolution aligns municipal building practices with Commonwealth of Virginia requirements as well as the City’s climate commitments of 45% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. The resolution establishes that newly released High Performance Building Standards (HPBS) will be used to guide the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and renovation process of City buildings, including Charlottesville City Schools buildings. The HPBS have been established as a central repository for those best practices recognized by City facility staff engaged in delivering and managing buildings and building systems, thereby institutionalizing Charlottesville’s leadership by example.

Key features of the High Performance Building Standards

• Comprehensive scope: The HPBS defines expectations for new and existing municipal buildings.
• Alignment with state law: The HPBS fulfills Commonwealth of Virginia mandates, including for certification through the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. It also addresses requirements for zero-emission vehicle charging infrastructure, utility metering, and distributed energy as well as resilience features.
• Actionable guidelines: The HPBS provides clear, actionable parameters, supporting consistent delivery of high-quality, sustainable facilities.
• Continuous improvement: The HPBS will be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure alignment with industry best practices and evolving climate goals.
• Replicability: The HPBS serve as a model for local building owners, operators, and builders, demonstrating the benefits of high-performance, sustainable design.

Charlottesville’s municipal buildings account for approximately 55% of the GHG emissions associated with the City’s government sector. High-performance buildings are designed, constructed, and operated to optimize occupant health and comfort, maximize building longevity, reduce annual operating costs, and minimize environmental impacts. The reduced operating costs and many of the reduced environmental impacts of high-performance buildings are attributable to substantial decreases in energy use and significant reductions of the building practices that contribute to GHG emissions.

“With the adoption of this resolution and the associated standards, Charlottesville is not just building and managing facilities for today, but we’re investing in a healthier, affordable, resilient, and sustainable future for our community,” said Kristel Riddervold, the City of Charlottesville’s Office of Sustainability Director.

The HPBS manual was published on December 31, 2025. The public is invited to learn more about the standards, view LEED-certified projects, and explore the City’s sustainability initiatives at High Performance Buildings | Charlottesville, VA.