Sustainable Development Standards

The guiding principle for these standards is the expectation that upcoming new development should minimize unwanted impacts on the community while also contributing its share to the collective effort to conserve our natural resources, minimize pollution and support the community’s vision for a vibrant and sustainable city. Read the summary report and watch the June 27 City Council meeting video at LakewoodSpeaks.org.

By 2030, these new development requirements are anticipated to have a wide range of significant community benefits, from an increase in local neighborhood amenities to a reduction in annual greenhouse gas emissions. Read more about the benefits of the new standards on the Good News Blog.

Article 13 Updates - 2030 Impact

200 projects investing the community through the Enhanced Development Menu
200,000 metric tons of avoided GHG emission (10% reduction)
Potential for more than $20 million in utility bill savings for building occupants
Reduction of other air pollutants (Ozone, SO2, N2O, particulates, and more)
65% landfill diversion rate for construction and demolition waste
Funding to support sustainability of existing buildings and infrastructure

The Enhanced Development Menu (EDM) is a point-based system of sustainable development options through which developers must achieve a required number of points based on the project’s square footage. It is intended to be adaptable and site-specific, allowing for a wide variety of items to be implemented that holistically promote city goals.  Examples of these items range from energy efficiency and renewable energy sources to local food access and public art.

The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Mitigation Program sets the maximum allowed annual emissions for a development project based upon its type and size, also known as the performance standard. A project can meet its performance standard through incorporating mitigation strategies such as building electrification, renewable energy systems, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and recycling/composting services. Developers have the option to pay a fee in lieu of mitigating emissions to comply with new standards.   

To decrease waste sent to Colorado landfills, make progress on waste diversion goals, and strengthen our regional circular economy, the City of Lakewood requires the diversion of certain materials from construction and demolition (C&D) projects. The C&D Waste Recycling Standards are outlined in (Chapter 14.02.040 Par. J) of Lakewood Building Code and Article 13 of the Lakewood Zoning Ordinance. Learn more about construction and demolition recycling.

Any fees paid in lieu of complying with the Enhanced Development Menu or Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Program, along with forfeited construction recycling deposits, will fund a Climate Protection and Sustainability Program that allows Lakewood to offset the impacts of new development through sustainability projects and programs. Examples of projects and programs that may be eligible for this funding include energy and water efficiency retrofits, renewable energy and electrification assistance, and tree planting and preservation. Proposed projects will be evaluated for their contribution to emissions reduction, community resilience, and equity. 

Fee-in-Lieu of Compliance

$76 per metric ton CO2e over Performance Standard
Social Cost of Carbon - determined from state and federal guidance

Charged for 10 years' worth of emissions

Emissions from electricity "discounted" based on Xcel Energy's plans to increase renewable energy in the electrical grid