Appalachian State University
PAE-24: Sustainability Policy Advocacy

Appalachian State University is involved in a project to develop a 2012 North Carolina Energy Code that is 30% more energy efficient than the currently used 2006 International Energy Conservation Code. Below are four specific legislative actions that the University supported during this past legislative session, 2010. 1. S.L. 2010-31. State Agencies and Institutions/Greater Energy Efficiency Reporting and Compliance 2. S.L. 2010-167. Renewable Energy Incentives 3. S.L. 2010-180. Amend Environmental Laws 2010 4. S.L. 2010-196. University Energy Savings/LEA Operational Leases

*Info regarding Energy Code - The NC State Energy Office teamed with the NC Governor's Office, NC Department of Insurance, the NC chapter of the American Institute of Architects, Appalachian State University and Mathis Consulting to request a special project grant for energy code development. A special grant of $500,000 was awarded by the US Department of Energy for the implementation of this project. Further goals of this project are to develop a mechanism to determine the level of code enforcement and identify the main problem area for code enforcement officials, building designers, and contractors. Provide training and technical assistance to improve compliance and enforcement of the energy code. Develop a system of "continuous improvement" in regard to code enforcement, and to serve as a model for other states in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Regions. In March, 2010 the NC Building Code Council accepted the proposed amendments to the code, with a public hearing on June 15th and final adoption slated for September 14, 2010. *Additional information regarding four legislative actions: - S.L. 2010-31. State Agencies and Institutions/Greater Energy Efficiency Reporting and Compliance Summary: Budget provision 14.3 amends subsection (a) of GS 143 64.12 to add a requirement that each state agency and institution of higher learning must address in its management plan the findings or recommendations resulting from the energy audit required in subsection (b1) of the statute. Amends subsection (b1) of GS 143-64.12 to require the Department of Administration to consult with the State Energy Office in the development of energy audit procedures. Provides that these energy audits will serve as a preliminary energy survey and makes the State Energy Office responsible for system-level detailed surveys. Adds new subsection (b2) requiring the Department of Administration to submit a report of the energy audit to the affected state agency or institution of higher learning and to the State Energy Office. Requires the State Energy Office to review each audit and, in consultation with the affected agency or institution, to incorporate the audit findings and recommendations into the management plan. Adds new subsection (j) requiring the State Energy Office to submit a report by December 1 of each year to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations describing the comprehensive program to manage energy, water, and other utility use for state agencies and institutions of higher learning required by subsection (a). Further requires the report to contain: 1)Comprehensive overview of how agencies and institutions are managing energy, water and other utility uses. 2)Any new measures taken to achieve greater efficiency gains 3)Summary of all management plans 4)List of agencies and institutions not submitting plans and a list of those receiving energy audits 5)Recommendations on how management plans can be improved. - S.L. 2010-167. Renewable Energy Incentives Summary: Extend and modifies various tax credits for renewable energy purchases and businesses. Amends GS 143-341(3) (pertaining to the Department of Administration’s powers and duties) to require the Department to provide written allocation of the federal deduction for designing energy efficient commercial building property installed on or in state-owned property. - S.L. 2010-180. Amend Environmental Laws 2010 Summary: All universities are required to develop a program in conjunction with the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources to collect and recycle all spent fluorescent lights and thermostats that contact mercury, including those in buildings to be demolished. The program shall include procedures for convenient collection, safe storage, and proper recycling of spent fluorescent lights and thermostats that contain mercury and contractual or other arrangements with buyers of the recyclable materials. Requires the campuses to report to the NC DENR by December 1, 2011 on compliance with this requirement. - S.L. 2010-196. University Energy Savings/LEA Operational Leases Summary: Permits universities to carry forward to the next fiscal year any utilities savings realized as a result of implementation of an energy conservation measure. At least 60 percent must be used for new energy savings measures, but campuses may use 100 percent of the carry forward on new energy projects. The funds must be used on one-time capital and operating expenditures that will not impose additional financial obligations on the state. Each campus energy management plan submitted annually to the NC Department of Commerce shall include: (1) Estimates of all costs associated with implementing energy conservation measures, including pre-installation and post-installation costs. (2) The cost of analyzing the projected energy savings. (3) Design costs, engineering costs, pre-installation costs, post-installation costs, debt service, and any costs for converting to an alternative energy source. (4) An analysis that identifies projected annual energy savings and estimated payback periods.