The Las Cruces City Council discussed “Sustainable Zero Carbon Development for New Construction in Municipally Owned Buildings” at a work session on Monday, Nov. 22, 2021 in Council Chambers at City Hall, 700 N. Main St.
A Resolution in support of “Sustainable Zero Carbon Development for New Construction in Municipally Owned Buildings” will be presented to City Council at its December 20 regularly scheduled meeting for possible adoption.
During Monday’s Work Session the City’s Sustainability Office defined a continuum of options, discussed barriers and opportunities, and presented a path forward. If the proposed Resolution is adopted by City Council, it may be developed into an Ordinance that could be considered at a future date by the Council.
The City’s Climate Action Plan identifies the building sector as a major contributor to greenhouse gases. The City is committed to leading by example with new municipal construction moving toward zero carbon development through the proposed Resolution.
The proposed Resolution would support all state regulations regarding zero carbon development. A goal of the Resolution would be for the City to be completely free of greenhouse gases in new construction in municipally owned buildings by 2045.
Additionally, the proposed Resolution would aim to work in partnership with the New Mexico’s congressional delegation, state agencies, New Mexico State University, Doña Ana Community College, and the Las Cruces Home Builders Association to conduct an annual conference that examines the many dimensions of the energy transition and climate mitigation.
The proposed initiative is supported in the Elevate Las Cruces comprehensive plan, which encourages uses of green building technologies for new development. Another supporting policy is the City’s Strategic Plan, which endorses efforts to achieve the goals included in the Climate Action Plan.