Legislature approves energy efficiency boosts for buildings

March 10, 2009

OLYMPIA – The state House and Senate approved legislation this week to increase the energy efficiency standards of newly constructed buildings and homes. House Bill 1747 and Senate Bill 5854 call for new construction to reduce its net energy consumption by 40 percent by 2013 and by 70 percent by 2031, using the 2006 State Energy Code as the baseline. The federal Energy Star program reports that roughly 40 percent of the nation’s energy use comes from buildings, resulting in significant greenhouse-gas emissions, increased building operating costs and the accelerated need to develop new energy sources.
 
“Washington state is already a national leader in embracing clean energy and using it responsibly,” said Rep. Christine Rolfes (D-Bainbridge Island), sponsor of the House bill. “In recent years, we’ve adopted efficiency goals and this week’s legislation provides concrete guidance on how buildings can meet their part of the goals.
 
“Wasting energy hurts the environment, drains wallets and forces us to seek new sources to meet inflated demand. The most cost-effective, clean way to prepare for future demand is to increase efficiency today,” Rolfes said.
 
The Senate passed SB 5854, sponsored by Sen. Derek Kilmer (D-Gig Harbor), to reduce climate pollution in the built environment by developing a strategic plan for enhancing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in homes, buildings, districts, and neighborhoods.
 
“This bill sets some reasonable goals for making our homes and buildings more efficient by setting a reduction target and taking incremental steps to achieve that reduction,” Kilmer said. “Making homes, businesses and public institutions more energy efficient will save money.”
 
Kilmer also added that the bill has the potential to spur innovation and create jobs.
 
“As someone with an economic development background I get enthusiastic about things that will spur innovation and create jobs,” Kilmer said. “This bill sets us on a path to having goals as well as a strategic plan for enhancing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from homes and buildings, and that includes plenty of potential for economic development.”
 
At least one of the two bills must now pass through the other chamber before heading to the Governor’s desk for final approval. More information is available here and here.