SB 5509 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 1ST SUB)

Finds that public buildings can be built and renovated using high-performance methods that save money, improve school performance, and make workers more productive. High-performance green buildings are proven to increase student test scores, reduce worker absenteeism, and cut energy and utility costs.

Declares an intent that state-owned buildings and schools be improved by adopting nationally recognized standards for high-performance green buildings and allowing flexible methods and choices in how to achieve those standards.

Declares an intent that independent performance audits be used to monitor this program and ensure that our economic, community, and environmental goals are achieved each year.

Requires that all major facility projects of public agencies receiving any funding in a state capital budget shall be designed, constructed, and certified to at least the LEED silver standard.

Requires public agencies and public school districts to monitor and document ongoing operating savings resulting from major facility projects designed, constructed, and certified as required under this act.

Provides that public agencies shall report annually to the department on its major facility projects and operating savings, while public school districts shall report annually to the office of the superintendent of public instruction.

Directs the department to create a high-performance buildings advisory committee comprised of affected public agencies, the state board of education, the office of the superintendent of public instruction, and others at the department's discretion to provide advice on implementing this act.

Provides that, among other things, the advisory committee shall make recommendations regarding an education and training process and an ongoing evaluation or feedback process to help the department and the state board of education implement this act.

Provides that, notwithstanding any other provision in chapter 39.04 RCW, public works project requests for proposals or bids on major facility projects required to be high-performance green buildings under chapter 39.-- RCW (sections 1 through 4 of this act) shall provide for performance-based contracting, building commissioning, or responsible bidding as necessary to design, construct, and certify the major facility project to meet the LEED silver standard.