The legislation intends to reduce greenhouse gas emissions generated by buildings, which are accounted for a significant portion of global CO2 emissions. By encouraging the utilization of the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, the bill establishes best practices for state and county building management. This aligns with previous local initiatives aimed at tracking and reporting resource consumption, potentially leading to significant improvements in energy efficiency within the public sector. Through the proposed program, Hawaii aims to not only meet sustainability targets but also to foster a culture of accountability in resource usage among state and county agencies.
Senate Bill 1149 aims to advance sustainability in the built environment within the State of Hawaii by introducing a comprehensive program that utilizes the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager for state and county buildings. The bill responds to the declared climate emergency by mandating increased accountability and transparency regarding energy and water consumption in larger buildings. It specifically targets properties over 10,000 square feet to submit annual benchmarking reports that summarize their energy and water usage, thereby promoting enhanced energy efficiency and sustainable management practices across government-operated buildings.
Some points of contention surrounding SB1149 could stem from the compliance burden placed on state and county buildings, especially smaller facilities that might struggle with the administrative requirements of benchmarking and reporting. Additionally, the bill details a penalty structure for non-compliance and stipulates that owners maintain records for three years, which may lead to concerns regarding the feasibility and overhead costs associated with meeting these regulatory demands. Therefore, ongoing dialogues among stakeholders will be necessary to address potential barriers to the successful implementation of the bill.