FGBC Designation Confirms City’s Commitment to Environmental Stewardship

The Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC), the leading certifier of green projects in the state, announced today that North Port, Fla. has renewed its prestigious designation as "Florida Green.”

To earn “Florida Green” building certification, a local government must meet the requirements of a comprehensive list of criteria and earn a minimum level of points, organized in terms of department functions, which are outlined in the FGBC's Green Local Government Standards.

“FGBC’s standard focuses on improving environmental performance with respect to energy, water, air, land, and waste, noted FGBC President Jeremy Nelson. “Governments are evaluated for environmental practices done in-house, incentives and ordinances that foster green practices, and educational activities for the community to improve the environment.”

FGBC Executive Director C.J. Davila presented the award to the City of North Port earlier this month. FGBC’s Green Local Government Certification program is the only one of its type in the state endorsed by the Florida Legislature, the Florida League of Cities and the Florida League of Mayors.

“Since the local program was launched, 68 Florida municipalities have achieved certification, with 20 others registered and in the process of certification,” added Davila. “The program is performance based, not prescriptive, and certified governments have found that many of their existing programs and policies contributed to the point total needed for certification.”

Becoming “Florida Green” is an opportunity for local governments to establish sustainable practices that can be carried out on a systematic basis, and sets in motion a process that will extend beyond election terms and protect the community for years to come.

North Port's quest began in 2008, when the North Port City Commission joined the Florida Green Building Coalition and directed staff to begin an initiative to earn the certification. City administration responded by forming the North Port Green Team, composed of staff representatives from City departments.

The Florida Green Building Coalition is the leading certifier of green projects in Florida. To date it has 15,870 residential, commercial, high-rise, land developments, local governments participating in its certification programs. FGBC certification programs are the only standards developed with climate specific criteria to address issues caused by Florida’s hot-humid environment and natural disasters. The Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) is a nonprofit 501(C)3 Florida corporation founded in 2000 dedicated to improving the built environment. Its mission is "to lead and promote sustainability with environmental, economic, and social benefits through regional education and certification programs." For more information about the FGBC “Florida Green” certification programs visit www.floridagreenbuilding.org.