Bill Text: MI SR0209 | 2013-2014 | 97th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to urge the Governor to increase the energy efficiency of current and future state buildings by using bio-based, low carbon-intensity building materials and by requiring that state buildings meet standards from a credible green building rating system that gives equal weight to forest certification programs.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2014-12-17 - Adopted [SR0209 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2013-SR0209-Enrolled.html
SR-209, As Adopted by Senate, December 17, 2014
Senator Casperson offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 209.
A resolution to urge the Governor to increase the energy efficiency of current and future state buildings by using bio-based, low carbon-intensity building materials and by requiring that state buildings meet standards from a credible green building rating system that gives equal weight to forest certification programs.
Whereas, The state of Michigan is dedicated to economic growth, community enhancement, and environmental stewardship. Michigan’s 20.2 million acres of forestland provide many benefits, including clean air and water, climate change mitigation, habitat for wildlife, commercially valuable products, and $14.6 billion per year in economic activity from the forest products industry. Promoting markets for products from sustainably managed forests in Michigan will help conserve forests, protect the 154,000 jobs provided by the forest products industry, and strengthen local communities; and
Whereas, The state of Michigan recognizes the importance of the logging community and forest products industry to enhance and protect the health and well-being of Michigan’s multiple-use forestlands. Michigan also recognizes the value of forest certification as a tool to promote well-managed forests as long as the certification standards are reasonable and recognize timber management as being part of the balanced approach to healthy forests; and
Whereas, The choice of building materials has a significant influence on a building’s environmental impact. Wood generally requires less energy to produce than other building materials, is the only major building material that comes from a renewable source, and stores carbon over its lifetime. Wood from responsibly managed forests is, therefore, an excellent choice for any new construction or renovation project; and
Whereas, Using green building rating systems and evaluating building materials prior to new building construction or major building renovations have the potential to improve decision-making about material choices and energy efficiency, reduce waste, and deliver long-term cost benefits in buildings; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the Governor to use bio-based, low carbon-intensity building materials that are demonstrated to improve energy efficiency and to use a credible green building rating system when designing, constructing, and renovating any building owned or acquired by or for the state or any department, office, board, commission, or agency thereof, including state-supported institutions of higher learning; and be it further
Resolved, That we urge the Governor to select a green building rating system that awards certification credits equally to forest products certified by the American Tree Farm System, Forest Stewardship Council, and Sustainable Forestry Initiative; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor and the director of the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget.
