Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Capital Budget Committee |
SSB 5300
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Enhancing the use of Washington natural resources in public buildings.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Marine Waters (originally sponsored by Senators Hargrove and Ranker).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 3/22/11
Staff: Steve Masse (786-7115).
Background:
In 2005, the Legislature enacted High-Performance Public Building Standards. These standards require all major facility projects over 5,000-square-feet or renovation projects greater than 50% of the building replacement value, either of which use state resources, to be certified to at least the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED™) Silver standard. This requirement applies to any state entity, including public agencies and public school districts, although school districts may use the Washington Sustainable School Design Protocol. The stated purpose of the standard is to improve the built environment and emphasize design and construction practices that reduce energy consumption and water use, improve indoor air quality, and minimize the impact on the natural environment.
LEED™ is a fee-based third-party certification. It is based on a point system, focusing on six major areas: sustainable sites; water efficiency; energy and atmosphere; materials and resources; indoor environmental quality; and innovation and design process. LEED™ certification has four ranks: LEED™ Certified; LEED™ Silver; LEED™ Gold; and LEED™ Platinum. LEED™ and the related logo is a trademark owned by the U.S. Green Building Council and is used with permission.
Summary of Bill:
When determining compliance with the requirement for a project to be designed, constructed, and certified to at least the LEED™ Silver standard, the Department of General Administration and the Superintendent of Public Instruction must credit one additional point for a project that uses wood products with a third party certification or from forests regulated under Washington's Forest Practices Act. For projects that an additional point would have satisfied the next level of certification, the project would be deemed by the state to meet the standard.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.