Committee releases bills regarding ‘green,’ ‘blue’ roofs

TRENTON – Two bills dealing with environmentally friendly roofs cleared the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee today. Sign Up

TRENTON – Two bills dealing with environmentally friendly roofs cleared the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee today.

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A710: This bill would require any new state government building having at least 15,000 square feet in total floor area to including a functioning “green” roof or “blue” roof.

In general, a “green” roof includes a layer of vegetation to help manage storm water, and a “blue” roof includes gravel beds, pipes and other ways to drain storm water.

The bill was released 5-0.

A711:   This bill would require the Department of Environmental Protection to adopt  regulations concerning the use of blue roofs and green roofs.

The DEP would also give priority consideration to any application associated with a blue roof or green roof project.

The bill advanced 4-0-1 with Republican Holly Schepisi abstaining.

Also passed:

A3103: This bill directs various state agencies, including the Departments of Community Affairs, Environmental Protection, and Transportation, as well as municipal agencies and county planning boards to give priority consideration to permit applications for green building projects. 

The bill defines “green building project” as one designed to achieve certification by, among other things, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System, and Energy Star by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and United States Department of Energy.

The bill advanced unanimously.

Committee releases bills regarding ‘green,’ ‘blue’ roofs