News Story

Des Moines, Iowa — Friday, May 16, 2025 — The City of Des Moines has received LEED Platinum certification through the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The LEED for Cities rating system recognizes local governments worldwide that have demonstrated commitment to sustainability and resiliency. Des Moines is one of nearly 150 cities to receive LEED for Cities certification and one of only six to receive the platinum-level designation.

"The City of Des Moines has a longstanding obligation to improve our City’s resiliency and providing a healthy environment for our residents," said Mayor Connie Boesen. "This work began many years ago, thanks to the leadership of former Mayor Frank Cownie, and I’m proud of the progress our staff and other stakeholders have made. We are seeing the results of our continued efforts in being recognized as a LEED Platinum City."

In addition to prioritizing city-scale sustainability, Des Moines is also committed to advancing green building. To date, the Franklin Avenue Library is LEED platinum certified, the new Animal Control Facility and Greenhouse are LEED gold certified, while Fire Station 11 and the Municipal Services Center are LEED silver certified. The certification process for Municipal Services Center II is underway. Additionally, approximately 59 privately-owned buildings across the City are LEED certified projects. The City of Des Moines has long been a leader in climate mitigation and resiliency, bringing along other local communities and organizations to make the environment a regional priority.

“Transforming our cities to be more sustainable happens building by building, block by block and neighborhood by neighborhood. The City of Des Moines understands the value of LEED and through certification is setting goals and deploying strategies appropriate for their local community and residents,” said Peter Templeton, president and CEO, USGBC. “Each new LEED certification is one step closer to revolutionizing the places where we live, learn, work and play.”

LEED enables Des Moines to measure and track outcomes and are evaluated against key metrics that include energy, water, waste, transportation, education, health, safety, prosperity, and equitability.