High Performance Buildings in Capital Projects

Summary

In April 2008, Maryland enacted a series of laws designed to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency in the state. Among these was the Maryland High Performance Buildings Act, effective July 1, 2008, which requires that capital projects involving the construction or major renovation of state buildings meet the criteria for classification as a "high performance building". New schools being constructed with state assistance that have not initiated a request for proposal for the selection of an architectural or engineering consultant by July 1, 2009 must also meet this standard. High performance buildings are defined as buildings that achieve at least a silver rating the under the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED* green building rating system, or a comparable numeric rating on an approved, nationally recognized system. A major renovation is considered to be any project that has a scope of 7,500 square feet or greater; reuses the building shell for the new construction; and involves the replacement of the HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems. Unoccupied buildings such as warehouses, garages, maintenance facilities, transmitter buildings, pumping stations, and other similar types of buildings are exempt from this requirement. The requirement may be waived if it is determined to be impractical. For fiscal years 2010 through 2014, the state will pay 50% of the local share of extra costs incurred as the result of the requirement for new schools. *Click here for more information on the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System.