High Performance (or “Green”) building practices are a strategy to reduce environmental impacts as well as improve operations and experiences. High performance buildings are designed, constructed, and operated to optimize occupant health and comfort, maximize building longevity, reduce annual operating costs, and minimize environmental impacts. These practices increase the efficiency with which buildings use resources - energy, water, and material - while reducing building impacts on human health and the environment.
High Performance Building Standards (HPBS) for municipal building were published in December 2025. The primary goal of the HPBS is to establish a central repository for the best practices recognized by those engaged in delivering and managing buildings and building systems. It brings these practices into alignment with City commitments to climate and sustainability. The HPBS also captures mandates established by the Commonwealth of Virginia and translates these into actionable guidelines for users.
Access Charlottesville's High Performance Building Standards (PDF)
On March 16, 2026, Charlottesville City Council will be presented with a High Performance Buildings Resolution that accomplishes alignment with state requirements and establishes the High Performance Building Standards as the expectations for new and existing municipal buildings. This Resolution would replace the current 2008 Green Building Resolution.