Amid budget cuts and a contentious session, the Washington
State Legislature approved a measure to dramatically improve energy efficiency
in buildings across the state. The
bill, SB 5854, would raise standards for new construction and improve energy
efficiency in existing public buildings.
“Environment Washington was one of the original supporters
of SB 5854, and we were on-hand to testify in the legislature on its behalf.”
said Kristin Anderson, Field Associate at Environment Washington. “This is a win-win for energy consumers
and Washington’s environment.”
Known as Efficiency First to environmentalists, the bill
will make Washington the first state in the country to meet the Architecture
2030 Challenge for progress toward buildings that are net-zero energy
consumers. Efficiency First will
also establish energy use scores, similar to miles-per-gallon ratings of cars,
to be disclosed to potential buyers before buildings are sold.
Statewide, about 30% of the energy consumed in Washington is
used in buildings. The built
environment also presents some of the best potential for gains in efficiency
with common-sense solutions like insulation and efficient heating lighting
systems.
Anderson added, “Washington has a strong legacy of
conservation, and we applaud the Legislature for continuing that legacy with
Efficiency First. This is a great
opportunity to reduce our global warming pollution while also putting people to
work quickly, using skills they already have.”
SB 5854 is now awaiting the signature from Gov. Gregoire
that will put the bill into law.
For full text of the bill, please see http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=5854.
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