OH HB560

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

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

Contractors shall make reasonable efforts to use Ohio-produced products and materials, with implementation costs recouped through reduced energy savings over no more than 20 years.

Projects exempt from requirements include buildings under 5,000 square feet, structures without heating/cooling systems, and construction projects costing less than $500,000.

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