House Bill 284

AN ACT TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION, BUREAU OF BUILDING, GROUNDS AND REAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT TO ESTABLISH AND ISSUE AN ADVISORY LIST OF BEST-PRACTICES MEASURES TO BE USED BY STATE AGENCIES AND FACILITIES UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE BUREAU TO CONSERVE ON SAVING FOR THE CONSUMPTION OF ENERGY AND FACILITIES MANAGEMENT OPERATIONAL COST; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) The Department of Finance and Administration, Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real Property Management, shall establish, and issue to each state agency and facility under its authority, an advisory list of best-practices measures to be implemented to conserve and promote savings with regard to the consumption of energy and facilities management operational costs. The list shall include, but not be limited to, energy efficiency measures such as:

(a) Turning off lights when not in use or installing timers or motion sensors in low-traffic areas;

(b) Replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs to reduce lighting energy use;

(c) Making sure that office equipment and computers are powered off at the end of the work day and during nonbusiness hours;

(d) Installing free power management software for computer monitors, which can be acquired from the Environmental Protection Agency;

(e) Enabling power save features on office equipment, such as copiers and printers;

(f) Eliminating unnecessary equipment;

(g) Using power strips or plug load controllers to control multiple electronic loads;

(h) Performing manufacturer-recommended routine maintenance of all equipment, including heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, to ensure optimal operation;

(i) Using programmable thermostats to raise air conditioner setting and lower heating settings;

(j) For larger facilities with energy management systems, verifying that temperature set points and operating schedules are correct for the controlled equipment;

(k) Educating and encouraging employees to be energy-conscious and to offer ideas as to how energy can be saving; and

(l) Designating a responsible party to oversee and promote best practices for energy efficiency for the facility.

(2) The Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real Property Management is authorized to take any actions it deems necessary to successfully implement the provisions of this act and establish any other requirements for best practices for energy efficiency for state agencies and facilities under its authority.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2013.