Iowa is moving forward on becoming the healthiest state in the nation. It is an ambitious and admirable quest. The tactics are obvious – better eating, healthier living, more exercise. Having healthier and happier citizens will cut insurance costs, attract new business, enhance quality of life and more.

It is important to remember that healthy buildings are vital to a healthier state, too.

Architects focus on the health, safety and welfare of those living and working in buildings just as they focus on making their clients’ buildings effective, efficient and inspirational. Today’s office worker expects to be in an environment that is visually pleasing and physically comfortable. Today’s owner (private business or government) expects buildings to be durable, energy-efficient and as economical, over the building’s life span, as possible.

There is a bill alive in the Iowa Legislature that could go a long way toward making buildings healthier. It would encourage sustainable design and construction, which would retain and create jobs, and help beautify our commercial areas. Senate File 2046 would provide partial tax incentives for properties meeting specified energy efficiency and environmental quality standards. The bill calls for a limited property tax exemption if the property is certified by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

Founded in 1993, USGBC is a nonprofit organization that promotes sustainability in how buildings are designed, constructed and operated. USGBC is best known for the development of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating systems. The LEED benchmark system of Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum promotes buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places in which to live and work.

Senate File 2046 could mean a 2 percent exemption for a property meeting the Silver rating; 5 percent exemption for a property meeting Gold standards; and 10 percent of the amount of the actual value of the permanent improvements for a property meeting USGBC Platinum qualifications. The bill calls for a one-time exemption for a maximum of five years.

It seems a simple answer to a healthier Iowa – invest in better, newer, “greener” buildings for the long term. The majority of the energy used in our country is not on our highways or in our factories. Buildings in America use 36 percent of our total energy and 65 percent of all electricity consumption.

It is worthy of recognition that architecture, business, energy, labor, engineering and conservation groups support this legislation. It is also important to know that owners who invest in LEED certification spend more money to achieve the various levels. They do this, partly, to benefit themselves in future reduced cost of operations. But this also benefits the public through reduced expenditures of natural resources, less pollution, a better workplace environment, etc. This bill is a way to support the effort to make achieving LEED more affordable. Passage of SF 2046 would create jobs and spur immediate interest in updating existing buildings. It is the sensible next step in helping to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation.

Bill Dikis is chairman of the Government Affairs Committee for the Iowa chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Iowa). Contact him at billdikis@gmail.com.