City Receives First LEED Gold Certification in Indiana

September 20, 2024

The City of South Bend is proud to announce that it is the first city in Indiana to have achieved Gold certification through the LEED^® for Cities and Communities program. LEED certification demonstrates a city's commitment to sustainability, human health, and economic prosperity.

"I am proud South Bend is leading the way forward, creating a sustainable future where everyone can thrive," said Mayor James Mueller. "The City is committed to doing our part to meet our sustainability, climate, and resiliency goals."

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) was created by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is the world's most widely used green building rating system. LEED for Cities and Communities helps local leaders measure and manage progress in pursuit of a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future. This process is informing the City of South Bend's current climate action and comprehensive planning processes.

The City began the LEED for Cities certification as part of a national leadership cohort of cities in 2023, supported by Bank of America and the U.S. Green Building Council. Through the program, cities create and operationalize responsible, sustainable, and specific plans for natural systems, energy, water, waste, transportation, and many other factors that contribute to quality of life. Cities submit documentation to gain points under specific categories to add up to a final score and certification level (Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum).

South Bend ranked relatively high compared to peer cities in transportation, water, and waste performance scores. Other areas where LEED noted strong City programs include energy efficiency, renewable energy, material recovery, affordable housing, education, and civil and human rights. South Bend will recertify in 5 years to evaluate its progress and commit to continuous improvement and accountability.

"A sustainable city balances social, economic, and environmental concerns in its decision making and planning. A LEED city takes those plans forward as solutions that improve the overall quality of life for its residents," said Peter Templeton, president and CEO, USGBC. "The City of South Bend's LEED certification is a symbol of their leadership on sustainability." For additional information about the City of South Bend's sustainability efforts, please visit southbendin.gov/sustainability