HPSE: Connecticut

State Policies

PA 07-242, which was passed in 2007, requires state-funded building projects costing $5 Million or more and renovation projects costing $2 million or more, to meet enhanced green and energy efficiency standards starting in 2008. Additionally, the Office of Policy Management secretary, in consultation with the public works commissioner and the Institute for Sustainable Energy, must waive the requirements if he finds that the cost of compliance significantly outweighed the benefits.

The statute Conn. Gen. Stat. Sections 16a-38k mandates LEED Silver, two Green Globes, or equivalent (including NE CHPS). The specific meaning of "equivalent" is described in the "Connecticut Building Standards Guidelines", available here. The State of Connecticut is currently developing a regulation to apply these requirements.

The act further stipulates that private and public sector buildings costing $5 Million or more must meet the LEED silver standard or equivalent beginning in January 2009; and renovations costing $2 million or more must meet those standards beginning in January 2010.

Grants and Rebates

Through funds from The Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, United Illuminating and Connecticut Light & Power offer various programs which range from lighting incentives to new facility planning assistance. Check them out!

DSIRE maintains a database of incentives for Connecticut, many of which can be applied to schools.  See the page for more information.

For More Information

The High Performance Schools Exchange offers presentations and trainings to design and building professionals as well as school administrators and committees. These are available at no cost. and can be scheduled by contacting Carolyn Sarno at csarno@neep.org or at (781)860-9177 x119.