High Performance (Green) Building Standards for
State Agency Buildings and School Buildings

2019 Update-Connecticut High Performance Buildings

Connecticut’s green construction standards help achieve the state’s greenhouse gas emission, energy, and cost reduction goals while driving economic growth.  This year, the Connecticut General Assembly passed Public Act 19-35 , titled “The Green Economy and Environmental Protection” bill, which amended the state building construction statute (CGS §16a-38k). Now, DEEP is required to adopt high performance building regulations based on a national sustainable construction code. DEEP has started its review of these nationally recognized models.  Until the new regulations are adopted, projects are required to comply with the current regulations (RCSA 16a-38k-1 through 16a-38k-9).

Background

Since 2007, Connecticut law has mandated high performance efficiency buildings (CGS § 16a-38k). As required, DEEP has adopted high performance (Green) building construction regulations that incorporate design, construction, and operation practices that preserve the natural environment (RCSA 16a-38k 1-9).  These state construction standards are consistent with, or in some cases, have exceeded the Leadership in Energy and Environment (LEED) silver design building rating system.

Connecticut High Performance Building Standards Apply to:

State Facilities

The project bond funds were allocated after Jan 1, 2008.

            New Construction
            Projected cost greater than, or equal to $5 million.

            Renovation

            Projected cost greater than, or equal to $2 million.

Public Schools

The project funds were authorized on or after Jan 1, 2009.

            New Construction
            Projected cost greater than, or equal to $5 million, with $2 million or more in state funding.

            Renovation
            Projected cost greater than, or equal to $2 million, with $2 million or more in state funding.

Energy Performance

In 2007, the HPBS (RCSA) 16a-38k-3 (c) required an applicable building’s energy performance to be 21% better, or more energy efficient than the ASHRAE 90.1-2004, or the current state building code, whichever was more stringent. In 2014, the statute was amended and required an energy metric of a score of 75 or greater on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s national Energy Star Target Finder (Public Act 14-94). In 2019, DEEP has started to review the energy performance standard.

Until the new regulations are adopted, DEEP and the Department of Administrative Services have determined that compliance with the 2018 State Building Code, will satisfy the HPBS energy performance requirement.   

Contact: Michele Melley, Bureau of Energy and Technology Policy, 860-827-2621, Michele.L.Melley@ct.gov.

Additional Resources- High Performance Construction Standard Compliance Manual

Content last updated January 2020