§ 143-135.35. Findings; legislative intent. - North Carolina Statutes

Article 8C.

Performance Standards forSustainable, Energy‑Efficient Public Buildings.

§ 143‑135.35.  Findings;legislative intent.

The General Assembly findsthat public buildings can be built and renovated using sustainable, energy‑efficientmethods that save money, reduce negative environmental impacts, improveemployee and student performance, and make employees and students moreproductive. The main objectives of sustainable, energy‑efficient designare to avoid resource depletion of energy, water, and raw materials; preventenvironmental degradation caused by facilities and infrastructure throughouttheir life cycle; and create buildings that are livable, comfortable, safe, andproductive. It is the intent of the General Assembly that State‑ownedbuildings and buildings of The University of North Carolina and the NorthCarolina Community College System be improved by establishing specificperformance standards for sustainable, energy‑efficient public buildings.These performance standards should be based upon recognized, consensusstandards that are supported by science and have a demonstrated performancerecord. The General Assembly also intends, in order to ensure that the economicand environmental objectives of this Article are achieved, that State agencies,The University of North Carolina, and the North Carolina Community CollegeSystem determine whether the performance standards are met for major facilityconstruction and renovation projects, measure utility and maintenance costs,and verify whether these standards result in savings. Also, it is the intent ofthe General Assembly to establish a priority to use North Carolina‑basedresources, building materials, products, industries, manufacturers, andbusinesses to provide economic development to North Carolina and to meet theobjectives of this Article.  (2008‑203, s. 1.)