House State Affairs Discusses Green Technologies

The House Committee on State Affairs met on May 12th under the direction of Chairman Burt Solomons, met and took up several interim charges. One of the charges discussed was: 

 

Charge 2: Examine of state policy on “green” technologies for all state buildings and costs associated with such implementation.

 

Jorge Ramirez, Deputy Executive Director of Facilities and Energy Management for the Texas Facilities Commission, discussed the balancing of cost and need for state facilities. He told the members more efficient use of energy is necessary with buildings, which will require a “systemic effort” for cost savings. Ramirez said assessment, prioritizing, retrofitting, improvements and green building are agency strategies. The 4% – 6% upfront costs of green building return on the investment at a 1 to 10 ratio.

 

Dub Taylor, Director of the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO), discussed the “behavioral” changes of conservation and the technological changes of energy efficiency. He informed members of the agency’s LoanSTAR Revolving Loan Program for retrofitting public sector facilities. More information about the program can be found by visiting: http://www.seco.cpa.state.tx.us/ls/