(a) It is found and determined by the General Assembly that:

(1) State-funded building projects have a significant impact on the environment of our Natural State, the economy, and the health and productivity of building inhabitants;

(2) State government currently spends approximately seventy million dollars ($70,000,000) annually for electricity and natural gas consumed in state buildings, and energy expenditures have been increasing at nearly four percent (4%) per year over the last ten (10) years;

(3) It is incumbent upon Arkansas state government to lead by example to minimize energy use and environmental impact in state buildings;

(4) Innovations in building science, technology, and operations are available to maximize the economic utility of state-funded building projects and reduce energy costs, while achieving the best environmental performance and reducing adverse impacts on the environment; and

(5) Incorporating principles of sustainability in building design will enhance efficient management of material resources and waste, protect health and indoor environmental quality, reduce the longer-term costs of construction and operation of state-funded buildings, and promote the use of appropriate Arkansas products in the buildings.

(b) In recognition of the economic, energy conservation, and environmental benefits of sustainable building design, it is in the best interest of the State of Arkansas to initiate a process to encourage improved building practices, to provide support and information to assist state agencies in carrying out the purposes of this subchapter, and to continue development of the best building practices through a legislative task force to evaluate and report to the General Assembly the progress being made under this subchapter.