Downtown Salt Lake City Goes Green

"Various developers are targeting downtown and the nearby areas as locations to construct trendy condominium and townhouse projects, many of which will be "green" and energy-efficient."

"Since taking office, Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson has been an ardent supporter of conservation and improved environmental policies. The Salt Lake City Council last year passed an ordinance requiring new buildings that use city money to be environmentally friendly."

"The ordinance requires city-funded buildings of at least 10,000 square feet to become certified by the U.S. Green Building Council under its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program. Buildings earn points toward LEED certification for elements that improve conservation, sustainability, water and energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality."

"'People that live downtown really want to live downtown, and they find a way to make it work,' said LouAnn Lakis, a sales agent with real estate brokerage Urban Utah."

"Lakis said urban dwellers tend to enjoy a less complicated lifestyle that doesn't include long commutes or lots of yard work. She added they are willing to sacrifice some of the amenities of suburban living such as larger homes and bigger lots for the simplicity of city life that allows them to enjoy the attributes of an active urban community."

"Wiese said as more businesses relocate to Salt Lake City, they bring new workers who often want to live near where they work, as they have in many big cities around the nation."