1. Consider architectural designs and energy systems that show the greatest cost benefit over the life of the school by minimizing long-term energy and operating costs;

2. Consider design incentives that reward architects and designers for the design of school buildings that have the least possible costs to operate over time;

3. Require that all new and renovated school buildings, if funded by the State, exceed by 20% the efficiency values set out in the energy standards currently in effect for commercial and institutional construction under the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc.'s Standard 90.1, 2001 Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low- Rise Residential Buildings, I-P Edition;

4. Require that all new school design and construction utilize a calculation of cost benefit that explicitly considers costs and benefits over a minimum of 20 years; and

5. Require that these cost-benefit calculations explicitly include the public health and environmental benefits associated with energy-efficient school design and construction.

The commissioner shall withhold state construction aid to any school district or municipality that can not show that it has duly considered the most energy and environmentally efficient designs suitable; and be it further

Sec. 2. Rules. Resolved: That rules adopted by the Commissioner of Education pursuant to this resolve are major substantive rules as defined in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A; and be it further

Sec. 3. Report. Resolved: That the Commissioner of Education shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations for rules to the Second Regular Session of the 121st Legislature.

SUMMARY

This resolve directs the Commissioner of Education to amend the Department of Education's rules on construction of new schools or school buildings to require that all new school