In a significant move aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and safety, the Agency has announced plans to engage a qualified mechanical insulation contractor for a comprehensive assessment of mechanical insulation across 50 state-owned buildings. This initiative seeks to address both energy consumption and safety concerns associated with outdated mechanical systems.
As part of the assessment pilot program, the Agency will evaluate each building to ensure a thorough understanding of the current state of mechanical systems. Key factors influencing the selection of the participating structures will include recent remediation work, scheduled updates to mechanical infrastructures, and the anticipated continued use of these facilities.
The agency’s decision to involve outside contractors with knowledge of mechanical insulation underscores its commitment to leveraging expertise in determining the full scope and cost of necessary remediation efforts. This collaborative approach is intended to ensure that all ancillary work related to the insulation assessments is adequately addressed, fostering a robust plan for energy efficiency.
While some buildings may currently meet safety standards, the Agency emphasizes that ongoing evaluations are crucial for long-term sustainability. By prioritizing buildings with either recent remediation or upcoming plans for upgrades, state officials hope to maximize the impact of the pilot program and ensure that taxpayer resources are utilized effectively.
In a landscape where energy conservation and safety are paramount, this initiative reflects the Agency’s proactive stance towards maintaining state assets and promoting environmentally sound practices. As the program develops, it promises to set a precedent for future efforts aimed at enhancing the efficiency of public buildings across the state.
Below is the Bill that was signed into Law:
EXECUTIVE BRANCH
(20 ILCS 3135/) Mechanical Insulation Energy and Safety Assessment Act.
(20 ILCS 3135/135-15) Sec. 135-15. Mechanical insulation assessment and remediation. To further Illinois along the path of 100% clean energy, there is hereby created a Mechanical Insulation Assessment Pilot Program. In furtherance of the goals of the pilot program, the Agency shall contract with a qualified mechanical insulation contractor to execute a mechanical insulation energy and safety assessment for 50 State-owned buildings. The Agency shall contract with other entities as deemed necessary to aid in determining the cost and scope of each remediation project including any and all necessary ancillary work. To determine the 50 buildings that will participate in the Pilot Program, the Agency shall take into consideration whether remediation work has been completed on the mechanical system recently as well as any immediate plans to update the mechanical systems and whether there are plans for the building's continued future use. The Mechanical Insulation Energy and Safety Assessment Pilot Program findings shall include: (1) any and all remediation measures necessary to bring the subject mechanical insulation system up to Code in accordance with the Energy Efficient Building Act and to ensure the system functions at a specific operating temperature to minimize energy loss; (2) any and all projected energy savings to the State as a result of the completion of any and all recommendation remediation; (3) any public health or safety concerns identified during the assessment; and (4) the projected cost to complete any and all recommended remediations. Further, the Agency shall report to the General Assembly the findings of the completed Mechanical Insulation Energy and Safety Assessment Pilot Program no later than July 1, 2025. The findings of each subject building's mechanical insulation energy and safety assessment shall be a matter of public record and posted on the Agency's website no later than July 1, 2025. This Act is subject to appropriation. All work under this Act shall be performed in accordance with the Prevailing Wage Act.(Source: P.A. 103-8, eff. 6-7-23.)
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The pilot program, aimed at evaluating conditions across various facilities, could potentially pave the way for further assessments in the remaining 7,950 state buildings throughout Illinois. If successful, the program may yield valuable insights and improvements, ultimately benefiting a broader range of structures that serve the public.
The collaboration between Local 17 leadership and our lobbyist Alison Howlett Walters highlights the importance of advocacy and dedicated effort in addressing the needs of state infrastructure. As the pilot progresses, stakeholders will be closely monitoring its outcomes to determine its viability for widespread implementation across Illinois.
