Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Study Energy Performance of State Buildings

CHICAGO–May 22, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that initiates a study of the energy performance of state-owned buildings. This process sets the stage for the state to adopt more comprehensive energy efficiency benchmarks for existing state buildings.

“Illinois is committed to being a leader in the green movement,” said Governor Quinn. “This bill is the first step in creating standards for energy efficiency at existing state buildings and further addresses the state’s green goals.”

The study will be conducted by the Illinois Energy Efficiency Committee, which consists of representatives from the Departments of Central Management Services, Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Capital Development Board.

The team will establish comparative benchmarks of state-owned buildings to assess how Illinois stacks up against other states. The study will focus on existing buildings as a place to begin targeting upgrades to improve the efficiency of those buildings. A report is due to the General Assembly by July 1, 2012.

Senate Bill 3429 was sponsored by Senator Michael Bond (D-Grayslake) and Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Collinsville). The bill is effective immediately.

Governor Quinn is committed to improving the efficiency of state government. In July 2009, he signed legislation that requires all new state-funded building construction and major renovations of existing stateowned facilities to meet certain green building practices.

Governor Quinn also supported legislation requiring every state-owned building to use only environmentally-sensitive cleaning products and requiring all state agencies to use compost materials for all land maintenance.