The Energy and Environment Taskforce of the Council of State Governments (CSG) voted to include legislation that reflects the promotion of carbon neutral new and renovated buildings by 2030 as outlined by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The bill, Energy Efficiency/Zero Greenhouse Gas Emission Buildings, aims to help states set achievable targets for energy efficiency in buildings and to serve as model legislation for state governments around the country.
“Policy makers are looking for practical approaches and achievable targets to advance energy efficiency,” says Christine McEntee, executive vice president and CEO for AIA. “The bill is proof that our legislative proposals are viewed as reasonable solutions to reducing the environmental impact of the built environment. We urge state governments to pass this model legislation so that we can accelerate the time when all building projects will be green and sustainable in nature.”
This legislation is based on a bill that AIA Washington submitted to the committee. The bill passed in Washington this year and reflects 2030 carbon neutrality goals.
The CSG legislation adoption follows the recent support for the AIA carbon neutrality building policy by the National Governors Association, the U.S. Conference of Mayors (who adopted the policy unanimously in 2006), and the National Association of Counties (who announced their support in 2007).