Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Design in New School Construction

Last updated: August 28, 2018

Program Overview

Implementing Sector:State
Category:Regulatory Policy
State:Ohio
Incentive Type:Energy Standards for Public Buildings
Web Site:http://www.osfc.ohio.gov/Home/GreenSchools.aspx
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies:Solar - Passive, Solar Water Heat, Solar Photovoltaics, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Daylighting
Eligible Efficiency Technologies:Comprehensive Measures/Whole Building

Authorities

Name:Ohio School Facilities Commission Resolution 07-124
Date Enacted:09/27/2007
Effective Date:09/27/2007
Name:ORC §3318.112
Effective Date:07/31/2008

Summary

The Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) administers funds appropriated by the Ohio General Assembly for the construction of new schools and renovations of existing schools. In September 2007 the OSFC approved a resolution (Resolution 07-124) requiring that all new school construction projects not already in the design phase achieve LEED for Schools Silver certification, with a goal of achieving LEED for Schools Gold certification. Credits under LEED Energy and Atmosphere Category are considered to be "preferred" investments, although the regulation sets no specific standard for this category outside of the existing certification prerequisites.

The overall program is expected to fund 250 new or renovated school buildings, all of which will be required to abide by the sustainable building standard described above. Over 270 buildings have been funded/registered, with 2 Platinum, 17 Gold,12 Silver and 1 Certification received.

Provisions in S.B. 221, which became effective July 31, 2008, directed the OSCF to adopt "solar ready" requirements and guidelines for schools. In response, the OSFC passed Resolution 08-164 in November 2008 providing requirements and guidelines for "solar ready" schools, where solar ready means capable of accommodating the eventual installation of roof-top, solar photovoltaic energy equipment. The requirements were incorporated into the Ohio School Design Manual. In June 2012, the OSFC proposed new rules for the "solar ready" standards.

Solar system price checker

Design Your Solar Home

START

Market Trend

12 3

Input your address to see if it is solar friendly and how much you can save with solar.

Great. Your address is perfect for solar. Solar incentive is still available. Select monthly utility cost and calculate the size of solar system you will need now.

Whoa ! Going solar is definitely a smart decision.

kw System size years Payback period Lifetime savings

No money down, 100% finance is available.