07/15/24 - 152 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/45529742
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House Bill To Encourage Green School Buildings Passes House
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The House this week gave final approval to House Bill 689 (Drucker-D-Chester) to provide incentives for school districts to construct cleaner and more efficient schools by a vote of 106-85. Current law requires school boards to first receive voter approval before commencing any major construction plans over a certain dollar amount, including new buildings or significant renovations.
That law, Rep. Drucker said, inadvertently impedes the construction of environmentally friendly schools due to the high up-front cost, which may push the cost of green construction over the limit.
House Bill 689 would exclude any costs incurred by a school district in the construction of a school building that meets the Green Building Standard from the calculation of construction costs when determining if voter approval is needed.
At a minimum, Green Building Standard projects must include performance-based credits that will improve a building's energy performance and promote the use of environmentally friendly building materials and technologies.
Documentation to support the energy efficiency of the project is required. Green Building Standard projects must also employ third-party, post-construction review and have a performance record of certified green buildings in the United States.
The bill includes a requirement that Green Building Standard costs be submitted to the Department of Education at the same time that construction cost estimates are submitted for approval. Drucker said that inclusion of Green Building Standard costs with construction costs would allow districts to demonstrate any long-term savings produced by investment in green building technologies.
"Over time, green buildings save money by reducing energy costs and provide a healthier internal air quality for our children," Rep. Drucker said. "My bill would allow school districts to realize these long-term benefits without being burdened by the up-front costs associated with green building."
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3/22/2010 |
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