FIRST LADY SILDA WALL SPITZER ANNOUNCES GREEN BUILDING INITIATIVES
Key Components of Spitzer Administration’s 15x15 Plan to Reduce Energy Consumption and Fight Climate Change

First Lady Silda Wall Spitzer and David D. Brown, Executive Director of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), today announced two important initiatives to promote the construction of green homes and State-owned buildings throughout the State.

Building on her effort to encourage homeowners throughout the State to incorporate simple energy reduction features into their homes, the First Lady announced that the Administration will offer legislation that offers a direct incentive to homeowners who build or renovate homes that meet green building criteria. The amount of the incentive will be based on the size of the home, with a cap of $10,000 per home, and help offset the typical 5 percent increase in construction costs when “green” or “sustainable” features are incorporated.

The Dormitory Authority announced that beginning in 2008, all new State construction projects and major renovations managed by the Dormitory Authority will meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards established by the United States Green Building Council. The LEED Green Building Rating System is an internationally recognized program for the design, construction, and maintenance of high-performance green buildings. LEED addresses all aspects of building construction and operation, including energy efficiency, land use, water conservation and re-use, indoor air quality, renewable energy, non-toxic landscaping practices, and recycling.

Both announcements are the latest initiatives in Governor Spitzer’s comprehensive energy and environmental agenda. Earlier this year, the Governor unveiled his “15 x 15” plan to reduce energy use by 15 percent from forecasted levels by the year 2015 through new energy efficiency programs intended to reduce energy bills, greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollution.

“Buildings are part of the problem of climate change, but they can also be part of the solution if they meet a higher standard for environmental sustainability,” said First Lady Silda Wall Spitzer. “This legislation offers an economic incentive to everyday New Yorkers who would like to make their homes more energy efficient, but are concerned about higher construction costs. The incentive will help defray these upfront costs, which will yield significant energy and cost savings for the homeowner in the long term. By working together and making smart building decisions New York State and New Yorkers can achieve reduced energy consumption, decrease our carbon imprint, and save consumers money.”

Dormitory Authority Executive Director Brown said: “The Dormitory Authority will design and build energy efficient, forward thinking and environmentally sound state facilities. We are committed to playing a major role in the greening of New York State.”

Pete Grannis, Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, said: “The science is clear – New York's climate is already being impacted by global warming. The choices individuals make today will determine the nature of the world that we leave for future generations. Expanding the incentives for green building features in residential construction will be a tremendous help to meeting the goals that Governor Spitzer has set to reduce energy consumption and improve our environment.”

The President and CEO of NYSERDA, Paul D. Tonko, said: “Our Governor and First Lady are leading an energy revolution. In response to their noble mission, it is imperative that we color our energy thinking with bolder shades of green. I am flattered that the First Lady is looking to NYSERDA to be a major player in this important and progressive green buildings program. The Dormitory Authority’s initiative will be a model which converts buildings from a contributor to climate change to a solution to climate change. I look forward to working with Executive Director David Brown and the Dormitory Authority, Commissioner Pete Grannis and the Department of Environmental Conservation and any other partners to forward this progressive vision.”

Fiona Cousins, Chair of the Board of Directors for the U.S. Green Building Council’s New York Chapter, said: “These two thrilling announcements are consistent with the Governor’s long tradition of environmental leadership. Green building is about you and me and where we live and work. I hope the State Legislature will support the new incentive program, which will provide much-needed support to average New Yorkers wishing to green their homes.”

Bill Walsh, Founder of the Healthy Building Network, said: “The State of New York is once again demonstrating leadership in the effort to bring green building into the mainstream. We commend both the First Lady’s and the Dormitory Authority’s initiatives announced today.”

Buildings are responsible for 39 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions produced in the United States. Residential homes alone are responsible for 22 percent. The United States Green Building Council estimates that LEED certification for homes reduces energy use by 25-60 percent and saves 2.5-5 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. A typical LEED commercial building reduces energy use by 32 percent.

Earlier this year, the First Lady announced her “Greening the Mansion” initiative -- an effort to make the Governor’s Mansion in Albany a green building. She also declared that green buildings would be one of her top policy priorities as First Lady. NYSERDA will develop the eligibility criteria using LEED standards as a model.

The Dormitory Authority has committed to registering its building projects with the United States Green Building Council and applying for Silver LEED certification for all of its major new construction work beginning in 2008. The four LEED rating levels, from lowest to highest, are Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. The minimal upfront costs of building green will ultimately be recouped in energy and water savings, thus providing long term savings for the State and its taxpayers.