Legislative Forestry Task Force Holds Hearing On Alternative Green Building Standards

The Legislative Forestry Task Force of the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee this week held a hearing on green building certifications beyond the LEED - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design system-- now being used.

 

Jerry Leach, PA Builders Association, discussed the National Green Building Standard developed through a collaborative process and the first green rating system approved by the American National Standard Institute.

 

Melissa Kelly Albert, American Forest and Paper Association, said the LEED system does not recognize accepted sustainable forestry certification programs so certified forestry product count as green construction.

 

Kevin Stover, Green Building Initiative, discussed the Green Globes rating system which awards points for all four of the major sustainable forestry certification programs in North America.

 

Victoria Lockhart, American Forest Foundation, said the American Tree Farm System is prevalent in Pennsylvania covering over 286,000 acres and follows sustainable practices, however, the LEED green building rating system does not recognize products from these farms.

 

David Sheridan, Green Building Assn. of Central PA, said the LEED system does give credit for Forest Stewardship Council certified wood products in its ratings. Pennsylvania's State Forests and the products coming from them have been FSC certified for the last 11 years.

 

Rep. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) serves as Chair of the Committee and Sen. Ray Musto (D-Luzerne) serves as Vice Chair.