Council of State Governments Votes to Use AIA’s Carbon Neutrality Goal as Model Legislation for States
Endorsement follows recently announced support from National Governors Association
(11/23/2009)
Posted by: Chris Gaerig, Online Editor
The Energy and Environment task force of the Council of State Governments (CSG) voted to include legislation that reflects the promotion of carbon neutral new and renovated buildings by 2030 as outlined by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The bill, Energy Efficiency/Zero Greenhouse Gas Emission Buildings, was recognized as an innovative piece of legislation that helps states set achievable targets for energy efficient buildings and can serve as model legislation for state governments around the country.
“Policy makers are looking for practical approaches and achievable targets to advance energy efficiency,” said AIA Executive Vice-President/CEO, Christine McEntee. “This bill is proof that our legislative proposals are viewed as reasonable solutions to reducing the environmental impact of the built environment. We urge state governments to pass this model legislation so that we can accelerate the time when all building projects will be green and sustainable in nature.”
This legislation is based on a bill that AIA Washington was instrumental in drafting working through the legislative process there. They submitted a bill to the committee that passed in Washington this year that reflects 2030 carbon neutrality goals.
The CSG legislation adoption follows the recent support for the AIA carbon neutrality building policy by the National Governors Association, the U.S. Conference of Mayors unanimous adoption the policy in 2006, and the National Association of Counties announcing their support for the policy in 2007.
