Life Cycle Analysis and Energy Conservation Standards for State Buildings

In 1995 Ohio passed legislation requiring that all state agencies perform life-cycle cost analyses prior to the construction of new buildings, and energy consumption analyses prior to new leases. Both analyses are to be primary considerations in either building design or leasing decisions. The State Architect’s Office of Energy Services (SAO-ES) was created within the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) to assist in this process and develop rules governing energy efficiency in new construction and the purchase of equipment.

In January 2007, Ohio enacted HB 251 and Governor Ted Strickland issued Executive Order 2007-02S. Both initiatives amend state policy pertaining to energy efficiency in state buildings. H.B. 251 devotes particular attention to state institutions of higher education, which are now addressed separately from other state organizations.

General (all state-owned or leased buildings)

• Life-cycle cost analysis is required prior to the construction of any state-funded building larger than 5,000 square feet. For projects with estimated costs exceeding $50,000,000, cogeneration must be considered as an energy source.
• State leases of buildings larger than 20,000 square feet require an energy consumption analysis.
• All state-funded buildings except institutions of higher education must be managed by at least one building operator certified under the Building Operator Certification (BOC)* program or an equivalent program as determined by the SAO-ES.

Institutions of Higher Education

An inter-university council composed of the presidents of state institutions of higher education or their designees are to develop energy efficiency and conservation guidelines for their respective Boards of Trustees. The following provisions are among the required content of these guidelines.

• A goal of reducing energy consumption by at least 20% by 2014 from a 2004 baseline.
• Minimum efficiency standards for any new on- or off-campus capital improvement project with a cost of $100,000 or more.
• Minimum efficiency standards for the leasing of buildings larger than 20,000 square feet.
• Requirement that each board develop their own 15-year plan for phasing in efficiency and conservation improvements.
• Establish mechanisms for periodic progress reporting from each board to the council.

As indicated above, new rules governing this process may be added as time goes on by the SAO-ES or the inter-university council. For further details please contact the SAO-ES or personnel at the university in question.

*Building Operator Certification (BOC) is a nationally recognized, competency-based training and certification program for building operators that focuses on creating more comfortable, efficient facilities. Click here for more information.