17018. In approving applications pursuant to this chapter, the board shall encourage the design and construction of facilities which will conserve unreplenishable energy resources by consideration of alternate design and insulation concepts as well as unconventional energy sources. In so doing, the board may increase cost allowances to reflect the difference between conventional and unconventional concepts when the board is satisfied that the life cycle cost of the project is not expected to exceed the life cycle cost of a conventionally designed project.
(Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 277, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1997. Operative January 1, 1998.)