US Laws, Codes, Statutes & Cases

      (a)      So that it can audit and evaluate competing design proposals, the Department, in cooperation with the Maryland Energy Administration, shall set standards for energy performance indices.

      (b)      As experience develops on the energy performance achieved in State buildings, the energy performance indices will serve as a measure of building performance with respect to energy consumption.

      (c)      The Department, in cooperation with the Maryland Energy Administration, shall set energy performance standards that require the average energy consumption per square foot in State buildings be reduced from the level in 1992 as follows:

            (1)      15% by 1996; and

            (2)      25% by 2001.

      (d)      (1)      (i)      By December 31, 1992, each State agency shall conduct an analysis on each of the buildings under its jurisdiction of its gas and electric consumption and the cost of this consumption under the direction of the Maryland Energy Administration and in coordination with the Department of General Services.

                  (ii)      The analysis required in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall include an examination of methods to achieve energy and costs savings, including:

                        1.      the installation of more efficient lighting systems, including relamping;

                        2.      the installation of more efficient heating and cooling systems;

                        3.      the installation of water conservation devices;

                        4.      weatherization; and

                        5.      modification of lighting, heating, and cooling practices such as turning off lights when not in use and better thermostatic controls.

            (2)      (i)      By July 1, 1994, each State agency shall upgrade its energy conservation plan developed in consultation with the Maryland Energy Administration and the Department of General Services to achieve the energy performance standards set under subsection (c) of this section.

                  (ii)      The plan required under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall include provisions for the training of State personnel, including management and maintenance personnel, in conservation practices that reduce the consumption of energy and assist the agency in achieving the standards set under subsection (c) of this section.

                  (iii)      In the development and implementation of the provisions of subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, each agency shall consider alternative financing opportunities in shared savings and performance contracting as administered by the Maryland Energy Administration and include an analysis of the payback and cost advantage to the State of shared savings and performance contracting.

      (e)      (1)      All plans developed in accordance with subsection (d) of this section shall be filed with the Maryland Energy Administration.

            (2)      The Maryland Energy Administration, in coordination with the Department of General Services, shall review and analyze these plans and submit to the Governor the plans and proposals to implement the plans.