The recent Public Act 07-242 in the Connecticut Legislature will significantly affect the energy efficiency requirements for new and renovated buildings after January 2009. This act has two sections, requiring revisions to the State Building Code and also requiring projects receiving State reimbursement to improve energy standards consistent with or exceeding the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Silver standards.
First, the act requires the State Codes & Standards Committee to amend the 2005 State Building Code and State Fire Safety Code to reflect a much higher standard for energy efficiency requirements. Beginning in January 2009, the revision to the State Building Code will require that building construction standards be consistent with LEED Silver standards for new commercial construction projects (over $5 million). In January 2010, required consistency with LEED Silver standards will be extended to major renovation projects (over $2 million). The requirements apply to both private and public sector projects, other than residential buildings up to four units. If the Institute for Sustainable Energy (www.easternct.edu/depts/sustainenergy) finds that the costs for adhering to the new standards significantly outweighs the benefits, the Codes and Standards Committee can provide for an exemption.
Secondly, for buildings receiving State reimbursement, the act mandates that any project with at least $2 million in state funding complies with LEED Silver standards or higher. Beginning January 1, 2008, this includes renovations to all state facilities. After January 1, 2009, these requirements will expand to include both new school construction projects that cost over $5 million and school renovation projects costing at least $2 million. Prior law in 2007 required LEED Silver standards for new state facilities costing $5 million or more, but did not include school projects.
Due to these new requirements, a working knowledge of the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Silver standards for green building design or the two-globe rating in the Green Globes USA design program will be valuable as the legislation moves forward. Demonstration of compliance with the standards will be required at the time of an application of permit to construct and of an application for a certificate of occupancy.
Other important changes to the 2008 State Building Code and State Fire Safety Code are related to egress path marking, changes to sprinkler and fire alarm systems, and grease interceptor requirements.
Links to the 2008 Amendments to the 2005 State Building Code are posted on the State of Connecticut Department of Public Safety website ( www.ct.gov/dps ).
About the author: George Iskra, P.E., is president of BVH Integrated Services, Inc. and a member of the State Codes and Standards Committee. He can be reached at georgei@bvhis.com .
