Building Codes Assistance Project

The Governor's Energy Office (GEO) is preparing to roll out numerous new opportunities for residents, businesses, local governments, non-profits and other organizations to save money and energy, spark job creation and increase energy independence thanks to American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dollars.

From a U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) press release:

****

Total U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were 7,053 million metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent (MMTCO2e) in 2008, a decrease of 2.2 percent from the 2007 level, according to Emissions of Greenhouse Gases in the United States 2008 , a report released today by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Since 1990, U.S. GHG emissions have grown at an average annual rate of 0.7 percent.

On February 11, 2009, a bill (SB 232) was introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly that would mandate at least a USGBC LEED "Certified" rating (or equivalent green certification) for public buildings and schools that enter the design phase after January 1, 2010. This would include all new facilities in excess of 5,000 square feet and all renovations in excess of 10,000 square feet.

On February 17, a bill (HB 7) was introduced in the Ohio House of Representatives that would establish green building labeling and energy use standards for any building or structure constructed using any state capital budget money, including money from the education facilities trust fund.  These buildings would be required to:

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is seeking the services of a Contractor to provide training seminars based on the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code. Bids are due August 20, with an anticipated contract start date of September 8. See below for more details, or consult this IFB information summary.

On February 13, a bill (HB 444) was introduced in the Pennsylvania General Assembly that would direct the Department of General Services (in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection) to develop and issue regulations that would require all new state facilities larger than 20,000 square feet or costing more than $1 million to achieve (among other environmental goals) and ENERGY STAR rating of 85 or higher.