FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hershman: Committee will study whether
public building projects should go green
(STATEHOUSE) – A state committee will be charged with determining whether public building projects should go green, according to sponsor of the legislation Sen. Brandt Hershman (R-Wheatfield).
The measure was signed into law this week by Gov. Mitch Daniels and requires the Environmental Quality Service Council to study whether public entities should be required to adhere to national environmental building standards. Currently, standards are set by a handful of organizations, including the U.S. Green Building Council’s rating system which sets standards for the design, construction and operation of buildings.
“This new law mandates an investigation of the costs and benefits of our public buildings becoming energy efficient and being built from certain environmentally friendly materials,” Hershman said.
An additional one or two percent investment in the construction of a high performance building results in an average payback of 20 percent over the life of the building, according to the U.S. Green Building Council. These high performance buildings can use up to 30 to 50 percent less energy and 40 percent less water.
“Environmental certifications are a fairly recent development, and we need to ensure that the methods are standards we adopt are not only good for the environment, but also economically sustainable and taxpayer friendly,” Hershman said. “The study created by HB 1280 is a good first step.”
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Hershman represents Senate District 7, which include Carroll, Clinton, Howard, Jasper, Tippecanoe and White counties. |
