City Council last month approved a resolution endorsing the adoption of green building practices for civic, commercial and residential buildings.

The governing body unanimously (7-0, with two members absent) adopted AR-114-16 during a special meeting on May 23, where members also approved a resolution that pledges sustainable land use.

The measure doesn’t necessarily mean that new developments will be required to employ green building techniques or get LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. Some new projects incorporate green building techniques or plan to, such as high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment, low-flow water fixtures, and Energy Star products, but none have been LEED certified.

“The purpose of this resolution is to enhance the public welfare and assure that commercial, residential and civic development is consistent with the city’s desire to create a more sustainable community by incorporating green building measures into the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of buildings.”

The resolution implements a Green Building Policy that will “consider opportunities to incorporate green building measures into the design, construction, operation and maintenance of municipal buildings and facilities.”

The city seeks to set a leadership example in the area of green building, according to the resolution, through the implementation of energy efficiency audits and upgrades to the municipal building stock, continued procurement practices, improvement of water conservation, reduction of light pollution, increase waste recycling and other similar efforts.”

Buildings account for 39 percent of CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions — more than either the transportation or industrial sectors — in addition to almost 12 percent of potable water use, 65 percent of waste output, and 71 percent electricity, according to the U.S. Green Building Council (per the resolution).