Enacts the state green building construction act; requires new or substantially reconstructed agency buildings to comply with the United States green building council, the green building initiative's green globes rating system and historic preservation system.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A2005C
SPONSOR: Lupardo (MS) TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the energy law, in relation to enact-
ing the state green building construction act
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL: To require all new construction and
substantial reconstruction projects undertaken by the State to comply
with green building principles.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS: The Energy law is amended to require
State buildings to comply with green building principles. This would
apply to all reconstruction of occupied agency buildings owned by the
State, except that this article shall not apply to any new construction
or substantial reconstruction project for which the consultant selection
process or in house design has been completed. In addition, the Depart-
ment of Environmental Conservation, in consultation with the New York
State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA), is authorized
to promulgate rules and regulations in order to comply with this act.
The NYSERDA is authorized to consult with any affected agency in order
to comply with this title.
JUSTIFICATION: Several states already have policies that require green
building practices for public buildings, including Arizona, California,
Pennsylvania, and Washington. In 2006, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency required all newly initiated major building
construction projects to achieve the Leadership in Energy and Environ-
mental Design Gold Standard. Green buildings use resources, including
energy, water, materials, and land more efficiently and effectively and
provide healthier environments for working, learning, and living. Green
buildings minimize the negative environmental consequences by lessening
changes to the natural environment; using recycled or recyclable materi-
al; incorporating renewable and energy efficient power generation
systems; using water resources more efficiently and producing less
waste. Green buildings provide employees with a healthier indoor work
environment by effectively controlling air ventilation systems and using
alternative paints, finishes, adhesives, furniture, and fabrics that do
not negatively affect air quality. By building green, the state can save
money by reducing maintenance costs and create sustainable buildings,
which would foster new developments in green technologies.
New York was among the first states in the Nation to offer a tax incen-
tive program for the developers and builders of environmentally friendly
buildings. New York has signed into law measures intended to encourage
building owners and developers to design, construct, and operate build-
ings that are more in harmony with the environment. The purpose of this
act is to promote the development of high performance green sustainable
buildings undertaken by the State.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: New bill.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: Potential Savings to the State.
EFFECTIVE DATE: This act shall take effect 180 days after enactment.
