Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County
Nashville, TN
Leed Zero Energy Management Plan
The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County (Metro) launched an ambitious initiative to reduce energy use, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and elevate building performance across its more than 19 million sq.ft. portfolio. In collaboration with the Department of General Services, Paladin developed the Metro Energy Management Plan, a strategic roadmap that guides energy-efficiency upgrades, establishes pathways toward LEED Zero Energy certification, and sets the foundation for long-term operational sustainability.
THE PROJECT
The city was required to retrofit at least 9% of its portfolio by 2024 and achieve LEED Zero Energy certification for 12.5% of buildings between 2026 and 2032. To meet these mandates, Paladin produced a scalable energy management framework that measures current performance, prioritizes investments, and guides each department toward long-term Net Zero operations. The plan outlines Nashville’s commitment to sustainability through energy efficiency and LEED Zero Energy standards.
Paladin developed a comprehensive Energy Management Plan for implementation that integrates building performance data, retrofit strategies, and LEED Zero Energy certification pathways.
THE WORK
Key elements of Paladin’s work included:
- Portfolio Analysis & Benchmarking: Analyzed energy use across Metro-owned buildings using Energy Star Portfolio Manager and CBECS data to establish baselines and track reductions.
- Tiered LEED Zero Energy Roadmap: Developed a
four-tier system to prioritize buildings for LEED Zero Energy certification based on readiness, efficiency, and lifecycle considerations.- Tier 1: Prime candidates—existing LEED buildings with strong performance and on-site renewables.
- Tier 2: Capable candidates requiring targeted energy conservation measures.
- Tier 3: Future candidates needing LEED O+M certification and operational policy alignment.
- Tier 4: Owned, but not a candidate.
Paladin quantified the impact of previously completed energy projects to demonstrate compliance with two ordinances: LEED Zero requirements
and energy performance standards. Through analysis of Metro’s upgrades — including lighting, HVAC, and controls improvements — Paladin verified a 6% energy savings.
THE IMPACT
Reductions in energy consumption will translate into substantial annual cost savings for Metro’s operating budget.
- From 2019-2024, Metro achieved 46.5% of its energy retrofit target, equating to 834,029 GSF retrofitted.
- The ESRF has employed $1.7 million, resulting in a 6% decrease in energy consumption.
- High-performance buildings saw a 15.7% reduction in energy use, saving approximately $387,000.
- Scalable model for extending energy management practices across all Metro departments.
Progress toward LEED Zero Energy will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help Metro achieve its long-term sustainability commitments.
Through Paladin’s leadership, Metro Nashville now has a clear, actionable roadmap to achieve LEED Zero Energy certification and meet its 2041 renewable energy mandate.
:: The plan positions Nashville as a national example of how municipal portfolios can transition toward sustainable operations through data-driven energy management and collaborative policy implementation. ::
:: CASE STUDIES ::
Global Aviation Training Center Phase II
As the logistics and aviation industries evolve, so must the infrastructure supporting them. To meet increasing demand for pilot training, UPS expanded its Global Aviation Training Center (GATC) in Louisville. This $78 million, 32,000-square-foot expansion, completed in December 2023, added classrooms, office space, and advanced full-motion simulators, bringing the facility’s total simulator count to ten. The investment strengthens UPS’s role as a global leader in aviation logistics while reinforcing Louisville’s position as a hub for skilled aviation talent.
BlueOval SK Training Center
The 1,500-acre BlueOval SK Battery Park in Kentucky is a new battery manufacturing campus that produces batteries for future Ford and Lincoln vehicles. The park employs over 5,000 people who train for future careers at the 42,830-square-foot Elizabethtown Community and Technical College BlueOval SK Training Center. The center provides advanced on-site training, supporting a sustainable workforce and enabling Ford and SK On to maintain skilled labor within the region.
CMIT Building
Berea College envisioned two future-focused buildings to harness the power of computer science, digital media and information technology, and applied engineering and design to prepare the next generation of technology thinkers, makers, and innovators.
FedEx Freight Facility
Explore how FedEx Freight’s new distribution center achieved significant sustainability milestones, including a 45.6% energy cost reduction and a 30% water use cut, exemplifying a commitment to green building standards.
Ecofibre U.S. Headquarters
Discover how Ecofibre’s U.S. headquarters became the first LEEDv4 Platinum warehouse and distribution center, setting a new standard in sustainable building and innovative hemp-based products.
Centralized Lab
See how Paladin’s strategic interventions at a 1980s building have led to a 20% energy reduction over 10 years, preserving capital and optimizing operational efficiencies despite rising energy costs.
Cabinet for Human Resources Complex
Discover how the CHR Building achieved a 27% annual energy reduction, saving approximately $204,000 per year through strategic system enhancements and energy-efficient measures.
Berea Natural Sciences & Health Building
Explore how Berea College’s Natural Sciences and Health Building, a LEED Gold project, achieves optimal performance, energy savings, and a unique educational environment for advanced scientific learning.
Belknap Residence Hall Phase I
Discover the Belknap Residence Hall at UofL, where Paladin’s expert guidance led to LEED Gold certification, promoting sustainable living and learning with a significant 36.1% reduction in water use.
4th Street Live!
Explore the GSA Fit-Up project at 4th Street Live!, where Paladin’s expert sustainability strategies led to LEED certification, enhancing access to USCIS services while prioritizing environmental and operational efficiency.
Danforth Hall and Kettering Hall
Discover Danforth and Kettering Halls at Berea College, where innovative design and sustainable construction earned LEED Silver certification and achieved a remarkable 48.1% reduction in water use.
:: CLIENT REVIEWS ::
