ARTICLE 29. GREEN BUILDINGS MINIMUM ENERGY STANDARDS.

§22-29-1. Short title and effective date.

This article is called the Green Buildings Act and is effective July 1, 2012.

§22-29-2. Findings and purpose.

(a) The Legislature finds that:

(1) Encouraging the construction of energy-efficient public buildings is in the public interest and promotes the general welfare of the people of the state.

(2) Efficient energy use by public buildings contributes substantially to improving the environment.

(3) Public buildings can be built in accordance with energy- efficient standards.

(b) This article is enacted to more efficiently spend public funds and protect the health and welfare of West Virginia residents.

§22-29-3. Definitions.

As used in this article:

(a) "ANSI" means the American National Standards Institute;

(b) "ASHRAE" means the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers;

(c) "IESNA" means the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America;

(d) "ICC" means the International Code Council; and

(e) "Public agency" means an agency of the state and political subdivisions, public institutions of higher education and boards of education.

§22-29-4. Minimum energy standards for new building construction projects of public agencies.

All new building construction projects of public agencies that have not entered the schematic design phase prior to July 1, 2012, or any building construction project receiving state grant funds and appropriations, including public schools, that have not entered the schematic design phase prior to July 1, 2012, shall be designed and constructed complying with the ICC International Energy Conservation Code, adopted by the State Fire Commission, and the ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007: Provided, That if any construction project has a commitment of federal funds to pay for a portion of such project, this section shall only apply to the extent such standards are consistent with the federal standards.