Resource Group: Green Building

The 2001 Legislature passed Engrossed House Bill 2247. Governor Locke signed it into law on May 8. Identified as “managing energy supply and demand”, EHB 2247 expanded on a 1980 law directing the Department of General Administration to conduct an energy audit of state-owned buildings and to make modifications and installations to maximize energy efficiency. It required the Energy Life Cycle Cost Analysis (ELCCA) process to include the analysis of, at a minimum, one system that meets the LEED Silver standard or similar design standard

In September 2002, Governor Gary Locke convened the Sustainable Washington Advisory Panel because of the widening gap between our state’s current reality and a Washington that is equitable, healthy, and prospering, envisioned by approximately 100 leaders previously gathered for an invitational summit to discuss a strategic approach to sustainability in Washington. Other areas for action had been identified that would encourage change on many fronts to achieve the vision, including the development of a common transportation vision, support for Green Building and sustainable land use development.

Early in 2003, Governor Locke issued an Executive Order (02-03) declaring his commitment that state government operations be conducted in a manner consistent with principles of sustainability. To that end, he directed each state agency to establish sustainability objectives and prepare a biennial Sustainability Plan to modify its practices regarding resource consumption; vehicle use; purchase of goods and services; and facility construction, operation and maintenance. Each agency was to complete its initial plan by September 1, 2003.

The Sustainable Washington Advisory Panel published “A New Path Forward: Action Plan for a Sustainable Washington” in February. It presents eleven recommendations for immediate action linked to longer-term strategic outcomes. One of the recommendations is to, “Adopt industry-sponsored green building standards for all new state government construction projects.”

The Panel reports that the U.S. Green Building Council is promoting and advancing green building methods for commercial construction successfully on a nationwide basis, using the LEED green building rating and certification system. By adopting LEED standards, Washington State can benefit from buildings that have decreased operating costs, use natural resources judiciously, and conserve energy resources.

The State commit this year to achieving a “Silver” LEED rating for new state-owned buildings over 5000 square feet through executive order or legislation, which is achievable at little or no extra cost to the project.
The State incorporate allowances for LEED costs into relevant funding cycles, to allow for extra up-front expenses (2% to 5% of costs) in planning, design, and equipment purchases that will result in savings over the life of the buildings.
Local governments and the private sector adopt similar standards.
The Report states: “These actions can all be readily implemented in the next 6-12 months. They represent the first steps in a vital long-term effort to make sustainable design and building practices the norm in Washington.”

The Department of General Administration has a web site, www.ga.gov/eas/green that invites people to explore for knowledge of Green Building and the GA Program for public facilities.

The issue is now on the National AIA agenda. Many organizations, local, regional, state and national have produced programs to promote “green building”. National is not ready to endorse the US Green Building Council’s rating and certification system.

Green Building

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