Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 44, November 2, 2024
Section 5.1006 - Responsibilities of Commonwealth agencies(a) All Commonwealth agencies shall work to achieve the Goals set forth in this subchapter. In particular, all agencies shall: (1) Develop policies to incorporate the strategies outlined in this subchapter to achieve the Commonwealth's Performance Goals.(2) Seek to implement new cost-effective conservation, sustainability, and efficiency strategies in order to achieve GreenGov certification. Complete and submit to the GreenGov Council (Council) a GreenGov Certification Checklist within 6 months of establishment of the certification program, and yearly thereafter.(3) Cooperate with the Department of General Services to track and analyze agency utility usage through the Commonwealth's utility bill management system.(4) Establish energy and other utility performance benchmarks for all Commonwealth-owned facilities over 20,000 square feet which are cooled or heated over which the agency has jurisdiction.(5) Designate an Agency Representative at the Deputy Secretary or equivalent level to attend meetings of the Council and ensure compliance and implementation of the necessary activities and measures to achieve the Goals.(6) Evaluate opportunities and implement, where practical, renewable and clean energy resources, energy and resource conservation, and energy efficiency best practices at Commonwealth facilities.(7) Work collaboratively to conserve energy and promote sustainable resources and best energy and resource management practices.(8) Propose and support Guaranteed Energy Savings Act ("GESA") projects for recommendation to Department where cost-effective and appropriate.(9) Provide to the Council, or Department, any requested information and data needed to implement the intent of this subchapter.(10) Contribute a proportional share of costs to support the Council and the annual Commonwealth Comprehensive Energy and Utility Usage Report.(b) The Department of General Services: (1) Coordinate with all agencies to include green building, energy conservation, and energy efficiency practices as part of any new construction and renovation projects.(2) Work with all agencies to track and analyze agency utility bills through Pennsylvania's utility bill management system.(3) Provide agencies with access to current utility bill performance data.(4) Benchmark Commonwealth facilities' energy efficiency against Federal and association standards.(5) Consider life cycle cost analysis in the selection of new energy sources, products, systems, and controls in conjunction with new construction and renovation projects.(6) Develop and implement programs to train appropriate personnel in benchmarking, energy conservation and energy efficiency.(7) Pursue and facilitate the development of new GESA projects with all Commonwealth agencies.(8) Contract for an annual Commonwealth Comprehensive Energy and Utility Usage Report covering all Commonwealth agencies.(9) Research, recommend, and develop vehicle fleet sustainability practices and metrics consistent with leading fleet accreditation programs.(c) The Department of Environmental Protection shall:(1) Provide advice and assistance to the Council and agencies in developing cost-effective conservation, sustainability, and efficiency strategies necessary to implement the requirements of this subchapter.(2) On an ongoing basis, develop and recommend additional no-cost and low-cost management and conservation measures which may be implemented by the Department of General Services and Commonwealth agencies.(3) Assist the Department in developing and implementing long-range management and conservation plan goals and options to be applied in Commonwealth facilities.(d) The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources shall:(1) Offer technical assistance and references on green building and site design, low-water landscaping, and related topics.(2) Provide demonstrations of its high-performance buildings and sites and alternative energy and transportation installations and operations.(3) Continue to invest in green building and sites projects on state parks and forest lands and in communities.