Governor Rell Submits Proposed Regulations

for Construction of ‘Green’ Buildings

Sustainable, Energy-Efficient Designs Pave Way

for More Green Collar Jobs

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that her administration has finalized a comprehensive list of regulations for the construction and renovation of state-owned buildings and public schools designed to reduce energy consumption and costs and enhance a growing workforce of “green collar” jobs.

“We are building a cleaner, greener future for all of Connecticut,” Governor Rell said. “These strict standards will lead to a new generation of energy efficient ‘green’ buildings, and ultimately reduce our carbon footprint on the environment. Our children, grandchildren and generations beyond will benefit from the stewardship that we commit to today.”

Highlights of the proposed regulations require:

·        Buildings be designed to be 21 percent more energy efficient that current state building code;

·        Use of low-flow fixtures to consume 20 percent less water

·        Appliances comply with Energy Star standards

·        Use of indoor adhesives and paints low in volatile organic compound emissions

·        Use of captured rainwater, recycled wastewater and drought resistant plants to cut landscaping water use by 50 percent

·        At least 10 percent of building materials be manufactured within 500 miles of construction site

·        Selection of a site with access to public transportation

·        Reuse of sites defined as brownfields

The Governor said the green building standards, part of recently approved broad-based energy legislation, apply to new construction of $5 million or more and renovations of $2 million or more. Final approval of the regulations must come from the Legislature’s Regulations and Review Committee.

“With each green building we erect and renovate we are preserving and protecting the environment and at the same time creating the specially skilled workforce of the future,” Governor Rell said. “These green collar jobs are essential to our economic and environmental health.”

The regulations are in accordance with the “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” or “LEED” rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. The rating system encourages environmental integrity, energy efficiency, healthy work spaces and sustainable building practices.

“I am proud to lead the State of Connecticut as we move forward with this landmark initiative,” Governor Rell said. “It defines us as a society which recognizes that our natural resources are fragile and finite.”