HB457 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mike Jones

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Public buildings, green building standards, wood products, use of certain forest certification standards

Summary

HB457 would require public building projects funded by the state or local governments to use green building standards that grant equal credits to wood products certified under major forest standards (SFI, ATFS, FSC).

What This Bill Does

When state funding is used for construction or major renovation, the green building standard chosen must provide equal certification credits for wood products certified under all recognized forest standards (SFI, ATFS, FSC). The bill defines what counts as forest certification standards and green building standards, and sets a threshold for major renovations. It also specifies that the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after the bill is enacted.

Who It Affects

• Public agencies in Alabama (state and local governments) would be required to use green building standards that treat forest-certified wood credits equally among recognized standards when funded projects are involved.
• Wood product manufacturers, suppliers, and construction firms would need to ensure their products carry certification under SFI, ATFS, or FSC to meet the standard and receive credits on public projects.

Key Provisions

• Defines FOREST CERTIFICATION STANDARD to include third-party verified standards like the American Tree Farm System (ATFS), Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
• Defines GREEN BUILDING STANDARD to include USGBC LEED, IGCC, Green Globes, and other nationally recognized high-performance systems.
• Defines MAJOR RENOVATION as a project with a construction budget equal to 50% or more of the building's current replacement cost.
• Requires that when state funding is used for construction or major renovation, the green building standard used must give equal certification credits to forest products certified under all recognized standards (SFI, ATFS, FSC).
• Sets the effective date as the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Public Building