Room: D139-140

Audience: Facilities Personnel

Call to Action: As we delve into the implications of legislative changes for school districts, let’s translate insights into actionable steps. Here are three specific programmatic measures for attendees:

1. Setting EUI Targets and Strategies: Define Energy Use Intensity (EUI) targets aligned with the baseline ASHRAE 100 standards. Post-session, convene a workshop with your district’s energy and design teams to establish realistic EUI goals. Develop a strategy for meeting these targets, considering retrofitting options, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable practices to ensure compliance with legislative requirements.
2. Building Assessments and Retrofitting Plans: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of existing school buildings to understand their current energy efficiency status. Identify what adjustments are required to meet the EUI targets set in step one. Evaluate whether buildings already align with these goals and, if not, create retrofitting plans. Establish a systematic approach for ongoing monitoring, qualified management, and maintenance to meet and exceed legislative standards.
3. Integrating Goals into Future Projects: Implement a district-wide strategy to incorporate energy efficiency goals into the planning phase of all future projects. Establish a set of goals based on the insights gained from the presentation, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and compliance with the legislative changes. This ensures that every new educational facility aligns with legislative requirements and contributes to the district’s broader energy efficiency objectives.

By taking these specific steps, your school district can proactively address the challenges posed by HB 1257, fostering a sustainable and compliant environment for both students and educators. Let’s transform our shared insights into practical initiatives that drive positive change within our school communities.

Abstract: As educational policies undergo continuous evolution, design professionals and educators grapple with adapting to new legislative requirements stemming from the proactive initiatives seen in coastal states. This session delves into strategies for professionals to effectively prepare for and navigate the challenges posed by legislative changes, specifically inspired by Washington State’s HB 1257, and draws parallels with similar legislation across the United States. The presentation explores key aspects of HB 1257 and sheds light on broader trends, showcasing legislative shifts in several states planning or considering legislation akin to Washington's Clean Buildings Act. Examining examples such as California’s ambitious building decarbonization goals, Massachusetts’ “An Act Creating a Green Building Standard,” New York City’s Local Law 97, and Washington D.C.’s “Clean Energy Building Performance Standards Act of 2023,” the session will provide a comparative analysis to enhance participants' understanding. Design professionals will glean insights into seamlessly integrating legal stipulations into their design processes, ensuring compliance without compromising the functionality of learning environments. Concurrently, educators will explore necessary adjustments mandated by diverse legislation and discover how to leverage existing facilities that already meet the evolving mandates. Drawing on diverse case studies and successful examples from various states, this presentation aims to be a comprehensive guide for professionals seeking to proactively address the challenges posed by educational legislation nationwide. Attendees will leave with practical takeaways and actionable strategies and gain a deeper understanding of the symbiotic relationship between design professionals and educators, acknowledging the broader legislative landscape shaping educational facility design.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understanding legislative impact
2. Strategic integration of legal stipulations
3. Proactive goal setting for energy efficiency
4. Implementing sustainable practices across projects