FAQs

• When and Why should I contact the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Construction Services Environmental Planning and Energy Unit?+
  Answer:

  The DAS Construction Services Environmental Planning and Energy Unit should be contacted when a project has complex or multiple environmental permits, when there will be significant involvement with regulatory agencies, when soil and/or groundwater investigations must be performed, when underground storage tanks require removal and/or installation, and/or when property transfers are being discussed.  Identification of permitting and environmental issues early in a project will avoid delays and allow for the scheduling of the permit process and environmental investigations into the overall project schedule. To assist the Design Consultant, DAS Construction Services has the 3030 Checklist for Permits, Certifications and Approvals which has to be reviewed, completed, revised, and submitted to the DAS Project Manager at each design phase with a copy to the DAS Environmental Planning Unit.

• How Do I Know If the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) applies to my project?+
  Answer:

  The DAS Construction Services CEPA Administrator assists DAS Construction Services Project Managers and Client Agencies in determining if a project is subject to further review under CEPA or whether the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) applies.  When a project is subject to further review and when deemed necessary, the DAS Project Manager and CEPA Administrator will hire an environmental consultant to prepare a CEPA document. On average, the CEPA process can take up to 10 months to over a year to complete.  Therefore, early involvement with the CEPA Administrator is important to ensure the project is not delayed.

• What are High Performance Buildings?+
  Answer:

  High performance buildings significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of a building on the environment and provide an improved indoor environment for the occupants of the building. They provide these positive effects through (1) sustainable site planning, (2) safeguarding water resources through efficient water use, (3) incorporation of the maximum feasible energy efficiency and renewable energy, and (4) conservation of materials and earth resources.

• What Project Types are Required to Meet High Performance Buildings Standards?+
  Answer:

  There are four (4) different project types that fall under this statutory requirement:

  • New Construction of State Facilities projected to cost $5,000,000 or more
  • Renovation of State Facilities projected to cost $2,000,000 or more
  • New Construction of State Funded Public School Buildings projected to cost $5,000,000 or more
  • Renovation of State Funded Public School Buildings projected to cost $2,000,000 or more