D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 10-A, § 630
630.1 The District needs to set high standards for its own operations if it expects others in the community to follow suit. It should be a role model in energy efficiency, renewable energy production, green building construction, GI, sustainable transportation and vehicles, environmentally sound landscaping, and adhering to green meeting standards. It should lead the way in sustainable materials management, sustainable procurement, reducing waste generation, reusing materials whenever possible, and recycling and composting what is left. It should also ensure its buildings and infrastructure are resilient to a changing climate.
630.2 District government will continue to adopt as appropriate the latest green construction codes for all new construction and major renovations. The International Green Construction Code (IgCC) and Energy Conservation Code are international standards for the most innovative practices in green building. District government will continue to integrate the most recent version of the IgCC in the District's construction codes for all new construction and major renovations, which will apply to both public and private buildings of over 10,000 square feet.
630.3 In 2003, a Mayor's Order established a Greening the Government subcommittee comprised of directors from almost 20 District agencies. The subcommittee was charged with setting priorities and measurable goals to further energy efficiency and environmental health in District government workplaces. It was asked to implement energy efficiency measures, educate the District workforce, and bring green building practices into District buildings. The subcommittee produced a Strategic Plan in 2004. An additional Mayor's Order on Greening the Government was promulgated in 2013 to build on the initial order. Key elements of the plan are summarized in the policies and actions below.
630.4 Policy E-7.1.1: GI and Green Building Methods for the District Strongly encourage the use of GI best management practices and green building design methods and materials in new construction and major rehabilitation projects undertaken by District government.
630.5 Policy E-7.1.2: Environmentally Friendly Government Operations Promote energy-efficient and environmentally friendly District government operations, the purchase of recycled and recyclable products, procurement of green power for District operations where feasible, the use of energy-saving equipment, and contracting practices that include incentives for sustainable technology.
630.6 Policy E-7.1.3: Sustainable Landscaping Require sustainable practices for landscaping projects, GI, and restoration projects
on District properties that reduce the need for watering and mowing, control the spread of invasive species, increase the use of landscaping for stormwater management, provide habitats, and reduce the use of pesticides and herbicides. Consider using industry best practices and certifications to guide this policy.
630.7 Action E-7.1.A: Green Building Legislation Update legislation to increase green standards for projects constructed by the District or receiving funding assistance from the District. Strive for higher levels of energy efficiency, renewable energy requirements, net-zero standards for new construction, and broader sustainability metrics for public projects, using 2019 as the baseline year.630.8 Action E-7.1.B: Energy Management Plans Require the submittal and periodic updating of Energy Management Plans by District agencies. These plans should be developed in coordination with Clean Energy DC to ensure that they have baselines, goals, and strategies that are compatible with, and support the goals and objectives of, Clean Energy DC and Climate Ready DC.630.9 Action E-7.1.C: Sustainable DC By 2032, fully implement Washington, DC's sustainability plan, Sustainable DC, to address the District's built environment, energy, food, nature, transportation, waste, and water. Dedicate District government staff and funding to implement the Sustainable DC Plan, track progress, and make the results publicly available.630.10 Action E-7.1.D: Sustainable DC Innovation Challenge Fully launch the Sustainable DC Innovation Challenge to help District agencies test new innovations and technology with the goal of increasing the use of renewable energy.630.11 Action E-7.1.E: Reduce Energy Use in District Government-Owned Buildings Retrofit and maintain District government-owned buildings to minimize energy use. Install renewable energy technology to minimize energy use.630.12 Action E-7.1.F: Environmental Partnerships Continue to leverage the local business and environmental advocacy communities by collaborating on sustainability initiatives.630.12a Text Box: Public-Private Coordination Coalitions of stakeholders and government representatives—including the Food Policy Council (FPC), GBAC, and UFAC—regularly convene to evaluate and make recommendations regarding the effectiveness of the District's sustainability policies. These coalitions analyze the impact of existing and proposed policies on the District's environmental health, including the potential impact of policies on
the specific environmental challenges facing Washington, DC.
630.13
Evaluate existing and proposed new District government facilities to guide decisions about retrofits and other conservation measures. Audits should include analysis with regard to resilience and energy efficiency and also be required any time the District leases space for government use. Resilience audits should support Washington, DC’s capacity to thrive amidst challenging conditions by preparing and planning to absorb, recover from, and more successfully adapt to adverse events.
SOURCE: District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; 31 DCR 1049 (March 9, 1984)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984 Land Use Element Amendment Act of 1984, effective March 16, 1985 (D.C. Law 5-187; 32 DCR 873 (February 15, 1985)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1989, effective May 23, 1990 (D.C. Law 8-129; 37 DCR 55 (January 5, 1990)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1989 NCPC-Recommended Amendments, and Closing of Public Alleys in Square 669, S.O. 88-452, Act of 1990, effective May 23, 1990 (D.C. Law 8-132; 37 DCR 2213 (April 6, 1990)); as amended by District Government Land Use Temporary Amendment Act of 1994, effective October 1, 1994 (D.C. Law 10-190; 41 DCR 5360 (August 12, 1994)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1994, effective October 6, 1994 (D.C. Law 10-193; 41 DCR 5536 (August 19, 1994)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984 Land Use Amendment Act of 1994, effective March 21, 1995 (D.C. Law 10-235; 42 DCR 30 (January 6, 1995)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 1996 effective April 18, 1996 (D.C. Law 11-110; 43 DCR 530 (February 9, 1996)); as amended by Second Technical Amendments Act of 1996 effective April 9, 1997 (D.C. Law 11-255; 44 DCR 1271 (March 7, 1997)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 1998, effective April 27, 1999 (D.C. Law 12-275; 46 DCR 1441 (February 19, 1999)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 1999, effective April 12, 2000 (D.C. Law 13-91; 47 DCR 520 (January 28, 2000)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2006, effective March 8, 2007 (D.C. Law 16-300; 54 DCR 924 (February 2, 2007)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 2008, effective March 25, 2009 (D.C. Law 17-353; 56 DCR 1117 (February 6, 2009)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2010, effective April 8, 2011 (D.C. Law 18-361; 58 DCR 908 (February 4, 2011)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2021, effective August 21, 2021 (D.C. Law 24-20; 68 DCR 006918 (July 16, 2021)).