A new community center is being designed to meet LEED standards for optimal resource efficiency.

Installing solar panels and a geothermal heating system is the best answer because it combines renewable energy with an efficient building system strategy. In LEED Energy and Atmosphere, projects are encouraged to reduce energy demand, improve energy efficiency, commission systems, meter energy use, and use renewable energy. A geothermal heating and cooling system can reduce HVAC energy consumption when properly designed, and solar panels can offset grid electricity with renewable power. Reflective coatings may reduce heat gain or heat island impacts but do not provide as broad an energy strategy. Centralized HVAC may or may not be efficient depending on design and controls. Increasing exterior lighting power would increase energy consumption and could create light pollution. Efficiency and renewable energy together support sustainable operations.