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DRAFT 5. Local actions have regional, national and global implications. Eugene does not exist in isolation; it is part of a larger community of interests. Similarly, local issues cannot be separated from their broader context. The City will recognize the relationship between local, regional, national and global issues in its policy and program development. The City will also assume a leadership role in developing model environmental programs and innovative approaches to economic development that reflect this linkage to the regional, national and global commumties. Sustainable building principles recognize the interdependence of the built and natural environments, providing the framework and tools to build in an efficient, healthy, and ecologically responsible manner. Green buildings seek to harness natural energy flows and biological processes, reduce or eliminate reliance on fossil fuels and toxic materials, and improve resource efficiency. Specifically, sustainable design encompasses the following broad topics: efficient management of energy and water resources, management of material resources and waste, protection of environmental quality, protection of health and indoor environmental quality, reinforcement of natural systems, and integrating the design approach. Purpose The purpose ora Citywide policy on sustainable building is to demonstrate the City of Eugene' s commitment to environmental, economic, and social stewardship, to yield cost savings to the City' s taxpayers through reduced operating costs, to provide healthy work environments for staff and visitors, and to contribute to the City' s goals of protecting, conserving, and enhancing the region' s environmental resources. Additionally, the City is in a position to set a community standard of sustainable building practices. Policy The City of Eugene shall incorporate principles of sustainability in the planning, financing, design, and construction of City buildings and facilities. All new construction, additions, and/or remodels encompassing over 5,000 gross square feet of building area shall achieve the equivalent of a "Certified" level of the U.S. Green Building Council' s LEEDTM Green Building Rating System. A higher equivalent rating (Silver, Gold, or Platinum) should be sought where practicable. In addition, all City of Eugene buildings and facilities shall be operated and maintained in a sustainable manner using the LEEDTM Green Building Rating System for Existing Buildings as a guide. Strategies Integrated Design provides a framework for applying the principles of sustainability to building design. Integrated design considers a building' s design, structure, and systems in a holistic manner in an effort to optimize their interaction for economic and environmental benefits. Integrated design looks beyond the traditional, linear design process and simple questions of system sizing and specification, and sees the building's design, envelope, lighting, and HVAC as integral to occupant comfort, satisfaction and operating performance. Effective integrated design considers and solves a variety of relevant issues simultaneously. An essential aspect of successful integrated design is Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in which the net present DRAFT