In 2006, Mayor Shirley Franklin identified environmental sustainability as a critical factor in making Atlanta a "best-in-class" city.  The U.S. Conference of Mayors has also unanimously adopted the Architecture 2030 Challenge, which sets fossil fuel reduction targets for all new buildings, reducing use incrementally until achieving carbon neutrality in 2030.

The following types of buildings in the City of Atlanta (both new construction and major renovations) will have to meet specific green building requirements in order to receive a building permit in 2010: Larger commercial buildings (those larger than 20,000 sf), mid-rise multifamily buildings (those that range from 3 to 6 stories), and by 2012 all new building (except for low-rise residential) will be held to these green standards.  They will also have to register with USGBC with a checklist projecting a certification of LEED-Silver or higher.

Any project exceeding the targets outlined in the Architecture 2030 Challenge table will receive a 20% rebate on the taxes levied on that property.

Article provided by Atlanta Green Building Ordinance DRAFT & AIA