Bill would let state projects use Green Globes as alternative to LEED

Sen. Rubio presented SB 1398 to allow state agencies to use Green Globes as an alternative third-party green building certification when Green Globes meets specified equivalency levels (3 Green Globes as an alternative to LEED Gold; 2 Green Globes as an alternative to LEED Silver).

Stephen Ayers (S28), interim CEO of the Green Building Initiative, said Green Globes is a rigorous, collaborative assessment tool and noted the U.S. General Services Administration had deemed Green Globes equivalent to LEED in prior federal assessments. Jen Mason (S27), a design professional, said the bill preserves California's high standards while giving agencies options to reduce costs and improve project delivery.

Kristen Shiraigachi of the U.S. Green Building Council (S11) spoke in respectful opposition, saying California already has a Department of General Services (DGS) process to evaluate and add certification programs and that the bill as written bypasses that technical, evidence-based review. Committee members asked questions about prior federal determinations and whether DGS had capacity to perform equivalency analysis; Green Globes witnesses said federal analyses exist but DGS had told them it lacked capacity to perform its own assessment.

The committee passed SB 1398 to Appropriations and left the roll open for absent members.