HB 12-1235 Summary

• Requires school districts and charter schools to ensure all new construction or significant redesign projects meet minimum energy-efficient design standards beginning January 1, 2013

• Schools must satisfy at least one of four options: obtain federal Energy Star label certification, achieve highest performance certification through state architect program, consult with governor's energy office on best practices, or hire design team with energy-efficient design professional

• Defines "significantly redesign" as structural changes affecting 50 percent or more of a building's square footage

• Directs governor's energy office to advise schools on best building practices when consulted, using existing resources

• Takes effect August 8, 2012, unless subject to referendum petition, in which case requires voter approval at November 2012 general election