Energy Standards for State Buildings

In May 2013, Oklahoma enacted H.B. 1990, repealing the high-performance building certification program. The State is still required by statute to adopt planning and construction standards for state buildings that conserve energy and optimize the energy performance of new buildings. The standards must reduce dependence on imported sources of energy through energy efficiency and local and renewable energy sources. The standards must also authorize the Office of Management and Enterprise Services to pursue ENERGY STAR designation to demonstrate energy efficiency in public buildings. Enacted in 2009, H.B. 3394 requires that all new public buildings beginning construction or receiving substantial renovation (cost exceeds 50% of the replacement value of the facility must comply with LEED guidelines or the Green Building Initiative’s Green Globes rating system.