As good stewards of the environment, counties assume a significant role in spurring the movement toward green building, energy efficiency and renewable energy.  More counties are beginning to think beyond just the energy needs of a building, and are approaching building design in a more holistic and integrated way – commonly known as “green building.”  Exploring such options in the construction of new buildings and renovation of existing buildings can help counties save taxpayer dollars, help the environment, and lead by example.  Counties can also assist in the research and development of renewable energy to help the country move towards energy independence. 

County ENERGY STAR Program

Green County Data Centers
This fact sheet provides an overview of technologies and equipment in county data centers, configurations of that equipment, costs and benefits to improving the energy efficiency of data centers, county best practices, and additional resources.

Solar Energy for County Facilities
This fact sheet provides an overview of how solar energy can be used as a renewable energy source in county buildings. It includes an overview of costs and benefits, case studies, resources, and a discussion of incentives for businesses and residents.

Commercial Green Building Factsheet
This fact sheet provides an overview of aspects to green commercial buildings, incentive programs, funding options, national recognition and certifications, and much more.

Improving Energy Efficiency in County Buildings (PDF)
A guide on utilizing tools and resources through the U.S. EPA ENERGY STAR Program and NACo to improve the energy efficiency of county buildings.

Workshop: How to Implement County Green Policies-Innovative Codes and Ordinances
Presentations from the 2008 NACo Annual Conference in Kansas City.

Local Leaders in Sustainability: Green Counties
A report by NACo and the American Institute of Architects that examines green building practices in the nation's 200 most populous counties.

County Buildings: Energy Efficiency and Performance Contracting
A fact sheet on utilizing performance contracts for energy efficiency improvements of county buildings.

Blue Earth County courthouse 'goes green'
Blue Earth County courthouse 'goes green', earns coveted ENERGY STAR rating.

Counties and Residential Green Building Standards (PDF)
This fact sheet provides a basic overview of green standards and certifications for residential buildings being implemented at a national and local level, and details resources available to help counties achieve those standards and certifications.

Geothermal Energy in County Facilities
This fact sheet provides a basic overview of geothermal energy and its benefits, how it is used in county buildings, best practice examples, and company resources.

06/16/2008 - Homemade wind power set to sail in Md. county
Until now, the closest many Carroll County, Md. residents may have come to small wind turbines were the box fans they put in their windows, but now their county is the first in the state to have a residential small wind turbine ordinance.

05/05/2008 - Counties take different routes to same ‘green’ goals
A County News article that follows the energy and green building successes of Whatcom County, WA and Mohave County, AZ.

03/10/2008 - Energy efficiency takes aim at greenhouse gas emissions
A County News article exploring how energy efficiency measures can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also saving taxpayer dollars.