The George Gund Foundation, as part of its commitment to making Cleveland a more environmentally conscious community, has a new policy limiting capital grants to projects that adopt green building principles.

Organizations requesting funds for construction or renovation projects must seek U.S. Green Building Council LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.  LEED represents the most widely accepted national standard for green buildings.  Planning grants also will be available for research, planning and documentation of green elements.

“This new policy is a logical extension of our ongoing environmental grantmaking which has focused on issues related to climate change, energy efficiency, renewable energy sources and conservation of natural resources,” said David Abbott, Gund executive director.  “We think this new policy will also help educate our community about ways in which they can make their organizations more sustainable.”

Green building design and construction practices address issues such as site planning, energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality and conservation of materials and resources, he added.

Abbott said he is pleased the Cleveland Foundation has adopted a similar policy.

Cleveland has several buildings that have been LEED certified, including the Cleveland Foodbank and the Idea Center at Playhouse Square.

Additional information can be found here.