Tucson is exploring and using alternative and renewable energy technologies to power its operations.

The US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program is one of the new national standards in efficient building construction. As part of the LEED certification process, Tucson has to show the USGBC that it is taking steps to ensure that green energy and energy conservation principles are part of projects. All new City of Tucson buildings are required to be certified LEED Silver or above.

Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) is a program in which the City issues bonds to finance new solar installations. Tucson's commitment to solar power has earned it the status as a US Department of Energy Solar America City, which comes with a grant to finance even more solar sites.

Below are some examples of renewable energy at City of Tucson municipal facilities:

• Landfill gas to energy conversion at the Los Reales Landfill. Methane gas is captured and piped to a TEP power plant.
• Solar water heating is used to heat water at the Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center, Fire Station 22, and the Public Safety Training Academy.
• Solar-powered bus shelter lighting, traffic control devices, and water pumping equipment has been installed all over town.
• Solar electric power is generated at numerous facilities around Tucson.
• Wind power is being investigated as a possibility in Tucson.

For more about solar energy usage in Tucson, visit the Tucson City Solar Installations page.