The bill amends Chapter 16-9 of the General Laws by introducing a new section, 16-9-11, which requires the Department of Education and the Office of Energy Resources to develop and adopt regulations mandating that all school buildings meet the latest Northeast Collaborative for High Performance Schools (NE-CHPS) standard of zero energy capable by December 31, 2037. The regulations must be developed by June 30, 2026, and will allow local education agencies to pursue state and federal funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy systems without penalties affecting state housing aid. Additionally, the bill provides guidance for local education agencies to construct, own, and operate solar panels in accordance with federal guidelines established in the Internal Revenue Code.
The bill also makes several amendments to Chapter 16-7, including the introduction of a definition for "zero energy capable," which specifies that a building must meet the NE-CHPS standard whereby the actual annual energy delivered must be less than or equal to the renewable energy generated onsite or a combination of onsite and offsite renewable energy. Furthermore, the bill establishes increased school housing aid ratios for projects that meet specific criteria related to high-performance design and energy efficiency upgrades, including a ten percent increase for new construction or renovation projects that achieve the zero energy capable standard.
The legislation outlines that the council on elementary and secondary education shall promulgate rules and regulations for the administration of these provisions and specifies that school districts may apply for project approvals under the school construction process. It also includes requirements for school housing projects exceeding $1.5 million, such as the necessity of an owner's program manager and a commissioning agent, and allows for reimbursement of temporary housing and environmental site remediation costs. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance energy efficiency in school construction and renovation while providing financial incentives and ensuring compliance with various regulations.
Statutes affected: 35: 16-105-3