Maryland 2022 Regular Session

Maryland House Bill HB1165

Introduced

2/11/22

Refer

2/11/22

Caption

Capital Projects - High Performance and Green Buildings

Impact

The enactment of HB 1165 signifies a pivotal shift in how Maryland approaches building standards, particularly for structures funded by the state. By broadening the scope of high performance buildings, the bill's intention is to ensure that a wider array of public facilities adopt sustainable practices. This not only aligns with global green initiatives but also serves to lead by example, setting a standard for private sector construction practices. However, the bill includes provisions for waivers, allowing projects to bypass these standards under specific conditions, which may dilute the intended effectiveness of the legislation.

Summary

House Bill 1165 introduces alterations to definitions and requirements surrounding high performance and green buildings within Maryland. The bill amends existing laws to include public safety buildings and certain schools under the high performance building definition. It also changes the criteria regarding 'major renovation', ensuring that larger renovation projects meet high performance standards. The law emphasizes that state buildings, public schools, and community colleges must comply with high performance building requirements, promoting sustainability and energy efficiency in government-funded projects.

Contention

There may be differing opinions on the implications of HB 1165. Supporters argue that the bill represents a significant step forward in fostering environmentally friendly construction methods, reducing long-term operational costs, and enhancing community resilience against climate change. Conversely, critics express concern regarding the potential complexity and cost implications associated with compliance, especially for smaller projects. The waiver provisions, intended to ease some of these burdens, could also lead to a lack of accountability or uneven application of the standards, raising questions about the actual impact on environmental goals.