1. (a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

2. (b)

   1. (1) “Agricultural building” means a structure that is used primarily to cultivate, manufacture, process, or produce agricultural crops, raw materials, products, or commodities.
   2. (2) “Agricultural building” includes a greenhouse.
3. (c) “Building” has the meaning stated in the International Building Code.
4. (d) “Commercial building” means a building that is subject to the commercial provisions of the International Energy Conservation Code.

5. (e)

   1. (1) “Covered building” means a building that:

      1. (i) 1. Is a commercial or multifamily residential building in the State; or

         1. 2. Is owned by the State; and
      2. (ii) Has a gross floor area of 35,000 square feet or more, excluding the parking garage area.

   2. (2) “Covered building” does not include:

      1. (i) A building designated as a historic property under federal, State, or local law;
      2. (ii) A public or nonpublic elementary or secondary school building;
      3. (iii) A hospital;
      4. (iv) A manufacturing building; or
      5. (v) An agricultural building.
6. (f) “Critical infrastructure” has the meaning stated in § 1-101 of the Public Utilities Article.
7. (g) “Direct greenhouse gas emissions” means greenhouse gas emissions produced on-site by covered buildings.
8. (h) “District energy” means thermal energy generated at one or more central facilities that produce hot water, steam, or chilled water that then flows through a network of insulated underground pipes to provide hot water, space heating, air conditioning, or chilled water to nearby buildings.
9. (i) “Manufacturing building” means a facility in which manufacturing, as defined in § 2-1202 of this article, takes place.

Added by Acts 2022, c. 38, § 4, eff. June 1, 2022. Amended by Acts 2025, c. 844, § 3, eff. Oct. 1, 2025.