The City of Lincoln, Nebraska, has achieved LEED Platinum certification through the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED for Cities and Communities Program — the highest level of certification possible.
“This makes Lincoln the first city in Nebraska and only the 10th in the nation to reach this milestone,” noted Kim Morrow, Chief Sustainability Officer for Lincoln.
LEED for Cities evaluates how an entire community performs across energy, water, transportation, climate action, public health, quality of life and more.
Morrow cited these highlights from the city’s report:
- Lincoln scored 26 of 30 points in Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Community-wide emissions have dropped 30% since 2011, thanks in large part to Lincoln Electric System's investments in wind, solar and hydropower — now 51% of LES's owned energy supply.
- The city earned 8 of 9 points in Natural Systems and Ecology. The Prairie Corridor on Haines Branch has protected 6,000 acres of land, and 89% of Lincoln residents live within a half mile of a park or multi-use trail.
- The city earned all six Innovation credits, recognizing programs like Lead Safe Lincoln, which is replacing 1,500 lead or galvanized water lines at no cost to homeowners.
“This certification is not the result of any one project or department. It reflects hundreds of decisions — made by City staff, community partners and residents — that add up to real change for the people who live here,” she wrote in a LinkedIn post.
“LES is honored to contribute to Lincoln’s LEED Platinum designation,” said Scott Benson, director of strategy and innovation at LES. “ Our investments in renewable energy and customer demand management programs are helping advance the city’s sustainability goals while continuing to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity. This achievement demonstrates what’s possible when a community works together toward shared goals.”
