Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Design in New School Construction (Ohio)
Last modified on July 11, 2012.
Rules Regulations Policies Program
| Place | Ohio |
|---|---|
| Name | Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Design in New School Construction |
| Incentive Type | Energy Standards for Public Buildings |
| Applicable Sector | Schools |
| Eligible Technologies | Comprehensive Measures/Whole Building, Daylighting, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Passive Solar Space Heat, Photovoltaics, Solar Water Heat |
| Active Incentive | Yes |
| Implementing Sector | State/Territory |
| Energy Category | Energy Efficiency Incentive Programs, Renewable Energy Incentive Programs |
| Requirement | All new schools must achieve LEED Silver certification, with a goal of Gold certification |
| Website | http://www.osfc.ohio.gov/Home/GreenSchools.aspx |
| Date added to DSIRE | 2008-07-22 |
| Last DSIRE Review | 07/11/2012 |
| References | DSIRE[1] |
Summary
The Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) administers funds appropriated by the Ohio General Assembly for the construction of new schools and renovations of existing schools. In September 2007 the OSFC approved a resolution (Resolution 07-124) requiring that all new school construction projects not already in the design phase achieve LEED for Schools Silver certification, with a goal of achieving LEED for Schools Gold certification. Credits under LEED Energy and Atmosphere Category are considered to be "preferred" investments, although the regulation sets no specific standard for this category outside of the existing certification prerequisites.
In November 2007, a total of 13 school districts were approved for funding under the first round of a state school improvement initiative. The overall program is expected to fund 250 new or renovated school buildings, all of which will be required to abide by the sustainable building standard described above. Currently, 270 buildings have been funded/registered, with 2 Platinum, 17 Gold,12 Silver and 1 Certification received.
Provisions in S.B. 221, which became effective July 31, 2008, directed the OSCF to adopt "solar ready" requirements and guidelines for schools. In response the OSFC passed Resolution 08-164 in November 2008 providing requirements and guidelines for "solar ready" schools, where solar ready means capable of accommodating the eventual installation of roof-top, solar photovoltaic energy equipment. The requirements have been incorporated into the Ohio School Design Manual. In June 2012, the OSFC proposed new rules for the "solar ready" standards.
Incentive Contact
| Contact Name | Main Office |
|---|---|
| Department | Ohio School Facilities Commission |
| Address | 10 West Broad St. |
| Place | Columbus, Ohio |
| Zip/Postal Code | 43215 |
| Phone | (614) 466-6290 |
| program.info@osfc.ohio.gov | |
| Website | http://osfc.ohio.gov |
Authorities (Please contact the if there are any file problems.)
| Authority 1: | Ohio School Facilities Commission Resolution 07-124 |
|---|---|
| Date Effective | 09/27/2007 |
| Date Enacted | 09/27/2007 |
| Authority 2: | ORC §3318.112 |
|---|---|
| Date Effective | 07/31/2008 |
- Incentive and policy data are reviewed and approved by the N.C. Solar Center's DSIRE project staff.[1]