The Alta at Thomas Circle has been recognized as the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certified New Construction residential building in the District of Columbia by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

The United States Green Building Council's LEED rating system is a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. The USGBC recognizes buildings, such as The Alta, that promote a while-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.

The Alta encompasses many of these green building features: a significant green roof system, eco-friendly materials, low VOC paints and adhesives, energy star appliances, an advanced HVAC system, carbon dioxide detectors, a high efficiency building envelope, proximity to alternative transportation, low-emitting finishes, reduced light pollution, and recycled content materials.