Tucson is exploring and using alternative and renewable energy
technologies to power its operations. The US Green Building
Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
program is one of the new national standards in efficient
building construction. As part of the LEED certification
process, Tucson has to show the USGBC that it is taking steps to
ensure that green energy and energy conservation principles are
part of projects. All new City of Tucson buildings are required
to be certified LEED Silver or above. Clean Renewable Energy
Bonds (CREBs) is a program in which the City issues bonds to
finance new solar installations. Tucson's commitment to solar
power has earned it the status as a US Department of Energy
Solar America City, which comes with a grant to finance even
more solar sites. For more about solar energy usage in Tucson,
visit the Tucson City Solar Installations page.