1021

It is hereby stated by means of this chapter that the Commonwealth adopts the following public policy, which shall govern the purposes of this chapter:\n(1) The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico recognizes that global warming poses a challenge that calls for government, entrepreneurial, and citizen actions directed toward fostering a sustainable socioeconomic development, as well as the most prudent use and protection of our natural resources, as organizational principles for our Island.\n(2) The use and consumption of energy from fossil sources by the buildings of the Government of the Commonwealth substantially adds to the problem of environmental pollution, and in more recent times, to global warming.\n(3) Energy costs for public buildings are rising at an extraordinary rate and shall continue to do so, due to our heavy dependence on fossil fuels which constitute nonrenewable sources and which are major pollutants. In addition, the consumption of fossil sources in operating such buildings contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases in the Island.\n(4) The Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is compelled to exercise leadership both in regional and in global terms and to

s contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases in the Island.\n(4) The Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is compelled to exercise leadership both in regional and in global terms and to set an example for citizens by approving measures directed toward promoting highly efficient public buildings as to energy consumption, while providing adequate spaces for our citizens to work and study.\n(5) To these ends, the Government of the Commonwealth hereby pledges to promote the new construction and the rehabilitation of government buildings by implementing high-yield building and architectural methods that help save electric power, conserve water, maintain the environment’s integrity, and render our workforce and student bodies more productive.\nHistory —Aug. 9, 2008, No. 229, § 2.