OH HB7

Buildings or structures constructed using state capital budget moneys (including education facilities trust fund moneys) must achieve at least one green building standard: LEED silver certification or higher, two green globes certification or higher, or an equivalent nationally recognized standard determined by the director of administrative services.

Buildings must also achieve at least one energy efficiency standard: exceed ASHRAE standards by 30 percent or more, or achieve an Energy Star rating of at least 77 as validated by a professional engineer.

Reasonable efforts must be made to use Ohio-produced products and materials, with costs recoverable over a period not exceeding 20 years through reduced energy costs.

Exemptions apply to buildings under 5,000 square feet, buildings without heating/ventilation/air conditioning systems, and construction projects with costs under $500,000.

State agencies and entities may request waivers when state capital budget moneys represent 10 percent or less of total project costs; the director of administrative services may adopt rules establishing waiver procedures and processes for recognizing equivalent green building standards.