The purpose of this section is to promote effective energy and environmental standards for the construction, renovation, and maintenance of state buildings which will improve the capacity of the state to design, build, and operate high-performance buildings thus creating new jobs, contributing to economic growth, and increasing energy independence. To accomplish the objectives of this section, the state shall adopt planning and construction standards for state buildings that:

1. Conserve energy consumption and optimize the energy performance of new building construction;

2. Increase the demand for environmentally preferable building materials, finishes, and furnishings;

3. Reduce the dependence of the state on imported sources of energy through buildings that conserve energy and utilize local and renewable energy sources;

4. Protect and restore the natural resources of the state by avoiding development of inappropriate building sites;

5. Reduce the burden on municipal water supply and treatment by reducing potable water consumption;

6. Reduce waste generation and manage waste through recycling and diversion from landfill disposal;

7. Establish life-cycle cost analysis as the appropriate and most efficient analysis to determine the optimal performance level of a building project;

8. Ensure that the systems of each building project are designed, installed, and tested to perform according to the design intent and operational needs of the building; and

9. Authorize the Office of Management and Enterprise Services to pursue ENERGY STAR designation from the United States Environmental Protection Agency to further demonstrate the energy efficiency of a public building project.

Added by Laws 2008, c. 418, § 1, eff. July 1, 2009. Amended by Laws 2012, c. 304, § 331; Laws 2013, c. 302, § 17, eff. Nov. 1, 2013.