Louisiana enacted legislation (SB 240) in July 2007 which required energy efficiency measures to be incorporated in the construction and renovation of major facility projects funded by the state. Each major facility project must be designed, constructed, and certified to exceed the requirements of the state energy code by at least 30 percent. Such improvements must also prove to be cost effective based on a life cycle cost analysis with a payback of no more than 30 years. Until December 31, 2009, this requirement applied to all new projects larger than 15,000 gross square feet.

Size requirements for future projects required to meet the standard are applied as follows:

• From January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010 -- projects larger than 10,000 square feet
• From January 1, 2011 and thereafter -- projects larger than 5,000 square feet

The standard also applies to major renovation projects which involve more than 50 percent of the replacement value of the facility or a change in occupancy. The legislation also instructs the Office of Facility Planning and Control of the Division of Administration to adopt rules which increase the demand for building and construction materials made in Louisiana, reduce potable water usage in state-funded buildings, and encourage state building projects to achieve ENERGY STAR designation.

Additionally, Executive Order BJ 2008-8 required the Division of Administration, in consultation with state agencies, to set energy efficiency goals for state facilities, office buildings or complexes for Fiscal Years 2009, 2010 and 2011 by July 30, 2008. It also required the Division of Administration to review its purchasing practices to ensure 100 percent compliance with existing state requirements related to energy conservation, to adopt best energy purchasing practices and to develop or increase standards for such products as appliances, light bulbs, smart chargers, and computers using Energy Star as a minimum standard.

History

The EmPower Louisiana State Buildings - Lead by Example Program used funding from The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to fund energy efficiency improvements on state buildings. There was a total of $25.7 million available for improvements.