Bill > SB1285

This bill amends the Public Facilities Act to establish new requirements for the construction and renovation of state buildings, aiming to improve energy and environmental performance. It defines key terms like "large-scale renovation," "licensed vendor," "new construction," and "state-funded entity" to clarify the scope of these new standards. The bill mandates specific energy efficiency standards for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, including minimum efficiency ratings for gas-fired heating, ground source/geothermal heat pumps, and air-source air conditioning, while restricting the use of electric resistance heating as a primary source. It also requires the use of life cycle cost analysis to determine the most efficient building systems over a 25-year period, prioritizing systems with the lowest total cost and giving preference to those that integrate geothermal technology with renewable energy sources. Furthermore, all new construction must incorporate a comprehensive HVAC control system to monitor and optimize performance, using non-proprietary software. The Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) is authorized to create rules and standards for compliance, which will be verified during design review and occupancy certification. The bill also emphasizes the use of licensed vendors within the state for energy-related design and construction services, with specific criteria for solicitations that favor local businesses and engineers, and encourages the use of HVAC units manufactured in Oklahoma. Finally, it mandates the utilization of federal grants and funding for new construction and sets an effective date of November 1, 2026.

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http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb1285&Session=2600