Subject to the provisions of this section, the Department of Housing and Community Development may grant a waiver from the certification requirements specified in § 7-403 of this subtitle for any building: to which a significant commitment had been made to its design or construction prior to January 1, 1982; and for which imposition of energy conservation standards under this subtitle would pose a substantial financial hardship. For any waiver granted under this section, the Department shall issue a written statement that clearly identifies the building affected and that specifies that the Department has granted a waiver from the energy conservation requirements of this subtitle. To be effective, the builder shall file the statement of waiver issued by the Department of Housing and Community Development in person or by certified mail, return receipt requested, with the electric company designated to provide electric service to the building.