HOUSE BILL REPORT
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. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Capital Budget
Title: An act relating to enhancing the use of Washington natural resources in public buildings.
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 History:
Committee Activity:
Capital Budget: 3/22/11, 3/29/11 [DP].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CAPITAL BUDGET |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 10 members: Representatives Dunshee, Chair; Ormsby, Vice Chair; Zeiger, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Asay, Jinkins, Lytton, Moeller, Pearson, Smith and Tharinger.
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 percent 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.
The LEED standard 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. The LEED certification has four ranks: LEED Certified; LEED Silver; LEED Gold; and LEED Platinum. The LEED standard and the related logo is a trademark owned by the U.S. Green Building Council and is used with permission.
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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.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The LEED standard discriminates against wood grown in Washington. One of the certifications, the Forest Stewardship Council, benefits forests globally but is prescriptive and does not benefit Washington. Washington's forest practices are the most stringent laws in the country for practicing forests. The LEED standards have evolved; many states have incorporated these standards into law or their building standards.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Debora Munguia, Washington Forest Protection Association; Stan Bowman, American Institute of Architects Washington Council; and Mitch Denning, Alliance of Educational Associations.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.