HB 1280, sponsored by Rep. Alex Ramel (D–Bellingham), requires new construction of public facilities to identify all-electric energy systems as an alternative to traditional heat and power systems.

Currently, the state prioritizes energy conservation practices and renewable energy systems to design major publicly owned or leased facilities. Prior to construction, the public agency must conduct a life-cycle cost analysis in the design phase. At present, this involves an energy-consumption analysis: including a comparison of system alternatives and compliance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver standard.

This bill extends state priorities to include greenhouse gas emission reduction practices in the design of major publicly owned or leased facilities. It also requires the design to consider all-electric energy systems and at least one renewable energy or heat and power system.

The bill also removes the requirement that the sustainable design meet the guidelines of the LEED silver standard. The bill instead establishes the standard that the design include a system alternative that incorporates all-electric energy systems.

Dates to remember

HB 1280 is scheduled for hearing in the House Environment & Energy Committee on January 29 at 10 am.