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<br />4 <br /> <br />Clean Energy and Sustainability <br />Through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process in late 2023, the JDA selected consultants with Ever-Green <br />Energy and LHB to analyze implementation strategies for the JDA’s Green Energy Vision. The consultant team <br />worked over the course of the year to understand the feasibility of developing a sustainable, carbon-free <br />community. Their work consisted of a comprehensive analysis of the energy demands of the planned <br />development, a review of strategies to reduce that energy demand (primarily through energy-efficient <br />building design), and a study of renewable energy technologies that could meet the remaining energy <br />demand. As a part of this process, consultants and staff met with project developers to discuss these <br />strategies and financing solutions to support them. <br />After a review of sustainability certification systems, in August the JDA approved the Energy Advisory <br />Committee’s recommendation to pursue LEED for Communities certification for the project. This globally <br />recognized standard establishes benchmarks for energy efficiency and sustainability. Achieving this <br />certification will guide the project in meeting its ambitious energy and environmental goals while ensuring <br />accountability through independent third-party verification. <br />Ever-Green Energy and LHB presented an energy analysis at the October 2024 JDA work session and a final <br />report, the Clean Energy Analysis Report, was accepted by the JDA at the November 2024 meeting. The <br />report outlines potential options for clean energy solutions to power the site, including geothermal, solar, <br />and community district energy systems. One key finding is that it is technically feasible for the development <br />to be all-electric (installing no natural gas connections), which would enable it to be a carbon-free <br />community. It also identifies strategies for minimizing building energy use, incorporating additional <br />sustainability measures, and financing options. <br />Based on these findings, the JDA approved a Clean Energy Policy: Rice Creek Commons seeks to be an all- <br />electric, carbon-free community. The JDA also directed staff to identify steps to implement this policy and <br />provide updates back to the JDA. <br />More Information <br />For more information on the work of the JDA and the development of Rice Creek Commons, please visit: <br />• Joint Development Authority webpage <br />• Rice Creek Commons project webpage <br />