House Bill 34, sponsored by Rep. Kate Harper, R-Montgomery, requires high-performance green building standards in most major construction and rehabilitation projects involving buildings owned or substantially leased by Pennsylvania state government.
In the U.S., buildings account for approximately 41 percent of total energy use, 73 percent of electricity consumption and 14 percent of water use. Requiring high-performance standards for these state building projects will lead to substantial savings in operating costs over the life of the buildings, saving the taxpayers money on energy and water bills.
These savings come from more efficient lighting, greater use of natural light, more efficient heating and cooling systems, better insulated walls and roofs, more efficient use of water, the use of systems that generate less wastewater, and the need to construct less water and wastewater infrastructure and capacity. Green buildings cause less pollution, generate less solid waste, and contribute to a healthier, more productive work environment for their occupants.
House Bill 34 would enable Pennsylvania state government, including the State System of Higher Education, to serve as a model and leader for the rest of the state in smartly promoting the use of green buildings, reducing energy costs, and using (and reusing) Pennsylvania products and building materials.
PennFuture appreciates the leadership of Rep. Harper in advancing this important legislation. Sen. John Rafferty, R-Montgomery, has also played a vital role in championing green building legislation in the Senate for several sessions.
A tip of the cap to Sen. Yaw for moving this legislation in time for it to passed by the Senate and sent to Governor Corbett before the General Assembly leaves for its summer recess. Now the full Senate needs to pass House Bill 34.
