Policy review drops LEED mandate from sustainability policy after city cost concerns

The Virginia Beach Policy Review Committee recommended removing a requirement that new school construction or major renovation projects be designed to a minimum LEED standard from the district’s environmentally sustainable practices policy (Policy 3‑67).

Camie Linetti, school board attorney who presented the policy item, said the PRC reviewed language that had previously required new builds and large modernizations to meet “a minimum LEED standard certified or equal.” After discussion and review of city practices, the PRC recommended deleting that requirement and renumbering the section.

School facility staff and policy presenters said the removal would not prevent the division from pursuing energy‑efficient equipment, lighting upgrades or green construction practices; rather, it would remove a mandatory certification requirement that divisions and the city have treated differently. Miss Ingram, who addressed cost implications, estimated certification and associated documentation add a nominal fee for contractors and consultants—generally in the 1% to 5% range of project costs depending on project size.

Linette told the board she had reached out to city staff for clarification and read a memo from the city manager noting the city has not built LEED‑certified major facilities in recent large projects and that LEED certification typically increases construction costs, with cited ranges “around 5 to 10%” in some studies. The memo said the city is not pursuing LEED certification on recent large projects because of fiscal considerations.

Board member Mr. Cummings asked for a cost/benefit analysis of LEED certification versus non‑LEED construction. School staff responded that larger projects amortize certification costs more cheaply than smaller projects and that the division already incorporates many green features where fiscally appropriate. Linetti said the PRC’s recommendation removes the mandatory language while retaining the district’s ability to consider sustainable practices during project planning.

The transcript shows the PRC advanced the policy change to the board; the city manager’s memo and facility staff comments were entered into the record during the discussion.