Assembly Passes DeAngelo Bill to Boost Development of Eco-Friendly Buildings

Bill Would Require 'Green' and 'Blue' Roofs on State-Developed Buildings

(TRENTON) - The General Assembly recently approved legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo to boost the development of environmentally-friendly buildings 76-2. The bill (A-2303) would require, to the extent feasible, that any new state government building, facility, or structure with at least 15,000 square feet in total floor area be designed, constructed, and managed to include a functioning green roof or blue roof. The bill would also allow buildings to have solar panels, provided that the panels do not interfere with the functions of the green roof or blue roof. "If we want a healthier future for our children, we have to take advantage of eco-friendly solutions that will help create greener communities and a better quality of life for our residents," said DeAngelo (D-Mercer/Middlesex). The bill defines a green roof as a roof that includes, among other things, a growth medium and a vegetation layer of drought resistant and hardy plant species; and a blue roof as a roof constructed with mechanical controls that drain stormwater, including but not limited to gravel beds, perforated pipes, rooftop detention systems, or weirs. Both are designed to improve stormwater management. "Buildings with environmentally-friendly design help save money in the long-run. This helps protect our environment in a manner that is energy and cost efficient," DeAngelo said. The measure was released by the Assembly Appropriations Committee earlier in this month.

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