Did you know a home or commercial building can be certified as sustainable? Here in Sarasota County, many of the county’s facilities are       certified by the as green buildings through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. consume 25% less energy, 11% less water, and produce 34% less carbon emissions. Since 2005 when the County Commission made a commitment to design and build high-performing sustainable buildings, Sarasota County has certified 20 green buildings. By recognizing the benefits of green buildings designed to run efficiently, save operational costs, and reduce their environmental impact, we can create better outcomes for people and the planet.

Fire Station #16

Located off Clark Road, this fire station has impressive sustainability features to run efficiently and save money. When constructing this fire station, 29% of construction materials were extracted or manufactured within 500 miles of Sarasota County, to reduce transportation costs and air pollution. Using Florida-Friendly landscaping, this station reduces outdoor water use by 100%, eliminating the need for permanent irrigation.

UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability Office

When this county office was built in 2005, it was the most sustainable building in the state. Thanks to green features, this office earned a LEED gold certification. Under the outdoor patio, there is a 28,000-gallon cistern, a receptacle designed to collect and store rainwater from the roof and be reused for non-potable needs like toilet flushing and irrigation. There is also sustainability integrated right into the design of the building. With expansive natural lighting, this building uses less energy by reducing the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours. The Extension Green Building is also equipped with a solar photovoltaic system featuring 62 solar panels. During peak months, these panels provide 25% of the energy the building requires to run, saving thousands of dollars each year.

South County Courthouse

The South County Courthouse is one of Sarasota County’s newest green buildings. This building has the largest solar system out of any county facility, with 628 total solar panels. Outside of the courthouse, the landscaping incorporates Florida-Friendly landscaping to reduce outdoor water usage by 43%.

William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library

Even libraries can be built and operated more sustainably. The William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library has carbon dioxide sensors in high-use areas to ensure high indoor air quality. These sensors detect when carbon dioxide levels are high to increase ventilation. The bathrooms are also equipped with low-flow faucets and toilets that reduce potable water demand by 50%, reducing costs and resource demand.

CB Wilson House at Urfer Family Park

Even historic buildings can be renovated to integrate green building features! The CB Wilson house was originally located downtown and was transported intact to Urfer Family Park.  By relocating the house, valuable resources were conserved that would otherwise have been required to build a new structure, while also preserving an important piece of Sarasota County history. The palm trees around the home were also relocated, further preserving our region’s history and natural beauty. To reduce the need for air conditioning and ensure the building can be enjoyed year-round, this historical house was retrofitted with green building features, such as heat-reducing glazed glass.

Learn More!

From offices and libraries to fire stations, and even historic sites, any building can be designed for sustainability. As we look to the future, Sarasota County is ensuring new buildings and renovations are built to last with the most up-to-date efficiency innovations to reduce their operating costs and environmental footprint.

To learn more about green buildings in Sarasota County, past, present, and future, visit our and follow along our green building video series on Instagram @ufsarasotaextension and on the UF/IFAS Sarasota County Extension Facebook page.

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