SALT LAKE CITY, UT

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) is helping revitalize downtown Salt Lake City, and it's doing so in a green manner. City Creek Reserve, Inc. (CCRI), a real estate development arm of the church, is directing the construction of a transit-oriented, 20-acre mixed use project which will include residential, retail and office space. The results from this smart growth strategy will greatly reduce Salt Lake City's dependence on the automobile. This initiative is one of 60 pilot projects in the country selected to help the U.S. Green Building Council finalize its new Leadership in Energy Environmental Design - Neighborhood Development (LEED ND) certification process. They are also striving for LEED NC (New Construction) certification in their new residential towers.

The LEED ND program looks at development of entire neighborhoods, not just single buildings. According to an April 2008 Deseret News article, LEED ND certified projects use "construction and design methods that place a high priority on good health, the natural environment and quality of community life... [and] encourage walkable communities and more efficient energy and water use."

CCRI's planners used sustainable principles in the design of the complex: more than 50% of the demolition debris is being recycled and landscaping will consist of only native plant species.

The decision to pursue LEED certification as a natural outflow of the values of the LDS faith. CCRI Director of Architecture and Engineering Bill Williams says long term sustainability is central to the project. "As you look at the tenets of our religion, there is a notion that we must be good stewards in all that we do," explains Williams. "It is our hope that this project will be prosperous, while standing true to our values of wise stewardship and giving back to the community."

Williams and the CCRI designers hope this project will be a catalyst for further neighborhood redevelopment, noting that it allows residents and visitors to celebrate the unique natural beauty and rich history of Salt Lake City. City Creek Center is slated to be completed in 2012.