By Jonathan Nolte
Staff Writer

Boerne City Council received and discussed recommendations from LEED consultant Alison Rivenburgh concerning environmentally friendly design for the construction of new city buildings during a workshop on Tuesday, April 8.

LEED is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system that provides third-party certification to participating buildings that have achieved high levels of environmentally friendly design. A structure may achieve environmental standards through use of recycled materials, high-efficiency lighting and water reclamation. LEED certification levels include certified, silver, gold and platinum.

The council is considering employing green construction strategies for several new buildings. The new Public Safety building is already on the drawing board. Construction projects for a new library and an expansion of the fire station will also feature some energy-saving aspects.

Rivenburgh said that the cost of designing and constructing a LEED silver-level may cost 2 percent more than using conventional design and construction methods. Police Chief Gary Miller said that commissioning and certifying the new Public Safety building will cost $100,000, and utilizing the materials and designs needed would cost an additional $200,000 to $300,000 of the proposed $7.7 million budget. Miller called the additional cost of the construction a “wise investment” as it  is expected to pay for itself in energy savings after a few years.
 
The question the council faces is whether pursuing LEED certification for new city projects is economically worthwhile. The alternative would be to pursue green design to LEED standards but forgo the expenses associated with the certification process. Rivenburgh said that foregoing LEED certification will reduce the overcall cost of constructing a green building but sacrifices the assurance that the building is truly energy efficient.

Later that night during the regular council meeting, Miller heard comments from council as each member weighed in on the topic.
 
Councilman Bob Manning suggested that the city “put a stake in the ground” at silver standards in order to challenge the design team to strive for efficient design.

Councilman Rob Zeigler agreed, noting that it would be easier to back off from a higher standard if the budget does not allow it than to increase standards at a later date. He stressed the importance of creating accountability by committing to LEED silver standards.

Councilwoman Judy Edmondson echoed the need for accountability, saying that committing to certification would hold everyone’s feet to the fire to ensure efficient design. She suggested that possible design aspects be prioritized according to price so that the designs can receive enough points for certification while keeping costs down.

Councilman Jacques DuBose expressed skepticism of the costs presented for green design. He suggested that the city seek another project of similar scale for comparison. He suggested that some aspects of energy efficient design that are being developed, such as indoor LED lighting, may be worth waiting for when they become affordable.

Councilman Ron Warden said he cannot justify spending taxpayer’s money to pay for things that will not provide financial returns to the city.

In the end, Mayor Dan Heckler told Miller to have design team shoot for LEED silver standards for the Public Safety building project and to revisit the prospects for certification later.