September 2nd, 2004                              61LCB#5 UCSU Green Building Standard

 

Sponsored by:                                        Eugene Pearson                        President Pro-Tempore

                                                            Stephen Fenberg           2nd Vice-President

 

Authored by:                                         Eugene Pearson                        President Pro-Tempore

 

A Bill

Bill History

 

The passage of the Capital Construction Fee by the UCSU in the 60th Session created one of the highest building standards in the nation for a university.  The UCSU should remain ahead of the university and set an example for green building as it maintains its commitment to the environment.  Buildings in the United States are some of the largest consumers of resources; they consume 65.2% of the electricity in the U.S., create 30% of the greenhouse gas emissions, create 136 million tons of construction and demolition waste, and use 12% of the potable water in the country.  Green building has been shown to increase productivity, enhance the ability to learn and retain information, benefit occupant comfort and health, reduce the impact on the environment, and significantly decrease the cost of owning and operating buildings.  The LEED standard was created by the US Green Building Council as a national benchmark of performance in green building and is recognized by industry, government, environmental groups, and non-profits as the benchmark by which buildings should be measured.

Bill Summary

 

This bill establishes the LEED Gold standard as the minimum design requirement for all UCSU building expansions, major renovations, and new buildings.  The UCSU encourages design to the LEED Platinum standard.  It further requires that all minor renovations and infrastructure improvements be designed with LEED standards in mind.

THEREFORE BE IT ENACTED by the Legislative Council of the University of Colorado Student Union, THAT,

 

SECTION 1:  All expansions of UCSU buildings, major renovations, and new construction must be designed and certified to meet or exceed the LEED Gold Standard.  Major renovations and expansions of UCSU buildings should strive to meet the LEED Platinum standard.

 

SECTION 2:  All minor renovations and required upkeep of UCSU buildings will be designed and selected in accordance to the ideals embodied in the LEED standards including, but not limited to, recycling of building materials, use of recycled building materials, commitment to energy efficiency, use of products which are manufactured in an environmentally friendly manner, water efficiency, utilization of local companies and manufacturers, utilization of local building materials, use of renewable energy, and use of day-lighting.

 

SECTION 3:  Minor renovation projects shall be evaluated by the Environmental – Labor Commission in conjunction with the UCSU Environmental Director and the Environmental Center’s Designee to evaluate their compliance with this legislation.

 

 

SECTION 4:  ENACTMENT. This bill takes effect upon passage upon passage by the Legislative Council and upon obtaining the signatures of the Legislative Council President pro Tempore and the Tri-Executives.

 

9-2-04                                                               Passed                                                  Acclamation

9-9-04                                                               Passed                                                  13-0-0