# Environment (GEN)

## Title 2. Ambient Air Quality Control

### Subtitle 16. Building Energy Performance Standards

#### Section 2-1601

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

(b)

  (1) "Agricultural building" means a structure that is used primarily to cultivate, manufacture, process, or produce agricultural crops, raw materials, products, or commodities.

  (2) "Agricultural building" includes a greenhouse.

(c) "Building" has the meaning stated in the International Building Code.

(d) "Commercial building" means a building that is subject to the commercial provisions of the International Energy Conservation Code.

(e)

  (1) "Covered building" means a building that:

    (i)

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

      (2) Is owned by the State; and

    (ii) Has a gross floor area of  35,000 square feet or more, excluding the parking garage area.

  (2) "Covered building" does not include:

    (i) A building designated as a historic property under federal, State, or local law;

    (ii) A public or nonpublic elementary or secondary school building;

    (iii) A hospital;

    (iv) A manufacturing building; or

    (v) An agricultural building.

(f) "Critical infrastructure" has the meaning stated in Sec. 1-101 of the Public Utilities Article.

(g) "Direct greenhouse gas emissions" means greenhouse gas emissions produced on-site by  covered buildings.

(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..

(i) "Manufacturing building" means a facility in which manufacturing, as defined in Sec. 2-1202 of this article, takes place.

---

Md. Code Ann., Envir. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)