AB 737

Currently, with certain exceptions, the Department of Administration (DOA)

must ensure that the specifications for each state construction project require the use

of recovered and recycled materials to the extent that such use is technically and

economically feasible. With certain exceptions, DOA must also prescribe and enforce

energy efficiency standards for energy consuming equipment that is installed in

connection with state construction projects. The standards must meet or exceed

specified statutory standards. The Building Commission must also apply these

standards when entering into certain leases on behalf of the state. Current law also

requires the commission to employ a design for cogeneration of steam and electricity

in state-owned central steam generating facilities unless the commission

determines that such a design is not cost-effective and technically feasible.

Currently, the commission must also ensure that state-operated steam generating

facilities are designed to allow the use of biomass fuels and refuse-derived fuels to

the greatest extent cost-effective and technically feasible. In addition, under

current law, the commission is prohibited from approving the construction or major

remodeling of or addition to any state building or structure unless the building or

structure makes maximum practical use of passive solar energy system design

elements and, unless not technically or economically feasible, incorporates an active

solar energy system or photovoltaic solar energy system or other renewable energy

system.

This bill directs DOA and the Building Commission to ensure that the plans

and specifications for each major state construction project (each project for the

construction of any new state building, structure, or facility containing at least

10,000 gross square feet of conditioned space, or for the repair, renewal, or

renovation, of any existing building, structure, or facility for occupancy by any state

entity if the building, structure, or facility contains at least 10,000 gross square feet

of conditioned space and the project affects more than 50 percent of the existing gross

square feet of conditioned space in the building, structure, or facility, or for the

expansion of an existing state building, structure, or facility to add at least 10,000

gross square feet of conditioned space) conform at a minimum to the requirements

under the LEED Green Building Rating System at the silver performance level, or

an equivalent performance level under an equivalent rating system, as prescribed

by the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) based upon the

standards of the U.S. Green Building Council except that with respect to the use of

wood-based materials and products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council,

American Tree Farm System, or Sustainable Forest Initiative programs, current

certification is the equivalent of that performance level to the extent of any conflict.

Upon completion of a major state construction project, the bill directs DOA to obtain

certification by the U.S. Green Building Council that the project conforms at a

minimum to the requirements for certification at the LEED silver level or its