Relates to establishing the energy performance benchmarking program.
The bill entails systematic energy use measurements for all state buildings exceeding 20,000 square feet, while it also promotes the installation of sub-meters in larger complexes. It emphasizes the importance of developing targeted guidelines and annual milestones to assist entities in meeting these energy goals. Furthermore, it requires the performance of regular energy audits on buildings that showcase inadequate energy efficiency metrics, thereby pushing for continual improvements in energy management practices across state-owned properties.
Bill S07429 introduces a comprehensive energy performance benchmarking program for New York State, seeking to enhance energy efficiency across state-owned and managed buildings. The bill mandates that by April 1, 2030, all affected state entities must achieve a collective 20% reduction in their average source energy use intensity (EUI), based on historical data from fiscal years 2020-2021. To facilitate this initiative, the New York Power Authority is tasked with establishing a Central Management and Implementation Team (CMIT) to guide and ensure compliance among state entities.
Debate surrounding the bill may center on the practicality of the imposed energy reductions, particularly concerning the cost burden associated with benchmarks and retrofitting existing infrastructure. Stakeholders who oppose the bill may argue that compliance burdens smaller, less-resourced entities disproportionately, making it difficult for them to achieve the set targets. Conversely, proponents of the bill contend that not only will it aid the environment by reducing carbon footprints, but it will also generate long-term cost savings through decreased energy expenses.
Additionally, the legislation incorporates provisions for the annual public disclosure of building energy performances, which poses both transparency benefits and potential privacy concerns for entities involved. This benchmarking program aligns with New York's broader environmental objectives, aiming to set a precedent for increased accountability and sustainability in public operations.