New schools built across Wyoming will have to be more energy efficient and environmentally friendly under a policy the Wyoming School Facilities Commission is considering.

The commission heard the first reading of the policy during a meeting Tuesday in Casper. It calls for districts to use energy efficient materials and systems when building schools.

The state will look at the use of day lighting, acoustics, preventative maintenance, sustainable materials, energy efficiency, waste reduction and indoor air quality. The policy didn't list specific materials that have to be used.

"The state is making a commitment to build energy efficient, green buildings," said Ken Daraie, director of the commission. "It's important to take advantage of the latest greatest technologies and build good green buildings."

Daraie said the policy originated with Gov. Dave Freudenthal, who wants the state to adopt policies that would reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Using energy efficient and environmentally friendly materials and systems won't cost the districts any more money in the long run and will actually save them money, Daraie said.

"We're not building 10- to 15-year-old buildings," Daraie said. "We're building 30- to 50-year-old buildings. When you look at it in that long-term life span, it makes a great deal of sense to do this. It's an economically sound decision as well."

Districts would have to follow the policy because their building plans have to go before the school facilities commission for approval.

The commission will continue discussion about the policy at a future meeting.

In another matter, the school facilities commission will continue to work on a proposed policy for off-site infrastructure, such as water lines. The commission heard an update on the policy and what's been done so far.

The policy will establish guidelines on how $6.9 million the state Legislature set aside this year for off-site infrastructure will be allocated. So far, the policy calls for the districts to submit a plan explaining why they need it and other factors associated with the project.

The commission also approved revising its facility plan schedule. Districts will now be required to submit their plans to the commission on or before July 15, the policy stated. After that, districts submit them before that date every other year.

The commission also will continue its work on developing guidelines for construction. The commission will hold a third interest-based strategy session starting today and ending Friday. The sessions will be held at the Parkway Plaza from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The strategy sessions are being held to get input and determine if the building process could be made easier. Previous sessions focused on capital construction and maintenance and statewide priorities for construction using major capital funds.

Reach reporter Aimee Tabor at (307) 266-0593 or aimee.tabor@casperstartribune.net.