Sarasota County is a national leader in green building and is currently engaged in a number of green design projects. The county intends that all future government building construction meet high performance building standards.

Sarasota County Government began its green building program in 1999 through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Rebuild America program. Retrofitting was an initial priority, with a focus on upgrading lighting and HVAC systems. Sarasota County also became a member of the US EPA ENERGYSTAR program in Spring 2004.

Sarasota County has held a number of workshops and educational programs on green design, including the first Florida Leadership in Energy and Environment Design [LEED] Workshop.

Sarasota County green buildings also meet the LEED standards for building interiors. The janitorial cleaning requirements in these buildings, as well as other county facilities, specify low-toxic, environmentally-safe products. Sarasota County employs least toxic pest control in its facilities and is a member of the US EPA Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program.

Check out the links below to learn more about Sarasota's Green Buildings:

Florida House Learning Center
A model green home demonstrating solar power, greywater recycling and native and edible landscaping.

Twin Lakes Office Building
A gold-rated green building with geothermal cooling and a rainwater cistern used to flush toilets.

North County Library
A silver LEED rating is sought for this new building featuring natural day lighting and a low-toxic interior.

Household Chemical Collection Facility
A high-performance building which utilizes recycled-content products in the interior and exterior design.

Sarasota County Judicial Center
An ENERGYSTAR-rated building equipped with cutting-edge energy-saving technology.

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