OH HB306

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

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

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

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

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