Detailed Summary

High-Performance Green Buildings Act of 2007 - Directs the Administrator of General Services to establish a position of, and appoint, a Director who shall: (1) establish an Office of High-Performance Green Buildings; (2) establish a Green Building Advisory Committee; (3) carry out public outreach; (4) develop and recommend a high-performance green building research plan; (5) develop and implement a comprehensive indoor air quality program for federal facilities; and (6) analyze current budget and contracting practices that affect achievement of high-performance green buildings.

Defines a "high-performance green building" as one that, during its life-cycle: (1) reduces energy, water, and material resource use and the generation of waste; (2) improves indoor environmental quality; (3) improves impacts of the building on human health and the environment; (4) increases the use of environmentally preferable products; (5) increases reuse and recycling opportunities; and (6) integrates systems in the building.

Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide grants to state agencies for use in: (1) providing technical assistance for EPA's programs (including the Tools for Schools Program and the Healthy School Environmental Assessment Tool) to schools for use in addressing environmental issues; and (2) developing state school environmental quality plans.

Requires the EPA to develop school site acquisition guidelines that account for: (1) the special vulnerability of children to hazardous substances or pollution exposure where the potential for site contamination exists; (2) available modes of transportation; and (3) potential use of the school as an emergency shelter.

Requires the Director to ensure that the public clearinghouse established by this Act receives and makes available information on the exposure of children to environmental hazards in school facilities.

Requires the EPA to issue guidelines for states in developing and implementing an environmental health program for schools.

Requires the Director to identify incentives to encourage the use of green buildings and related technology in federal government operations

Requires the Director of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to: (1) revise applicable acquisition regulations to require federal facility acquisition, construction, or renovation to optimize energy performance, conserve water, enhance indoor environmental quality, and reduce environmental impacts of materials and waste flows; and (2) issue guidance to federal procurement executives on renegotiating proposed facilities design, existing facilities renovations, and eased facilities improvements.

Requires the Director to: (1) consult with the Committee to assist in the implementation of the Environmental Stewardship Scorecard announced at the White House Summit on federal sustainable buildings in 2006; and (2) establish guidelines to implement a specified demonstration projects at federal buildings to contribute to its research goals.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 6/6/2007: Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Environment and Public Works. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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