Sec. 01.01.2019.08. Energy Savings Goals for State Government

A. The Maryland Energy Administration (“MEA”) and Maryland Department of General Services (“DGS”) shall develop and manage a “Maryland Leads by Example” energy-savings initiative with the goal of, by 2029, reducing energy consumption in State-owned buildings by 10 percent compared to a Fiscal Year 2018 baseline.

B. Each year, DGS shall analyze all State-owned buildings to identify the least energy-efficient.

C. Audit.

(1) Each year, DGS shall conduct an energy audit of at least 2 million square feet of the least energy-efficient State-owned buildings.

(2) The audit shall identify low-cost measures for increasing energy efficiency that will result in energy cost savings within five years that meet or exceed the costs of the measures themselves.

(3) A copy of the audit shall be provided to the head of each unit of State government that occupies the space audited.

D. Each unit of State government that occupies the space audited shall, to the fullest extent practicable, implement the measures identified in the audit.

E. For one year following such implementation, DGS shall monitor the unit’s energy use, track any changes resulting from the measures, and calculate any savings on energy costs.

F. Utility Database.

(1) Reductions in energy consumption resulting from the Maryland Leads by Example initiative shall be recorded in a Comprehensive Utility Records Management Database (the “Utility Database”).

(2) Each unit of State government shall, each month, or upon request, provide DGS with access to available data about its facility and copies of the unit’s utility bills.

(3) DGS shall gather the data and information necessary to fully populate, update, and maintain the Utility Database.

G. Other Energy Savings Initiatives.

(1) All units of State government shall, in support of their core missions, implement projects and initiatives to conserve energy and reduce consumption.

(2) DGS, MEA, the Department of Budget and Management, and the Department of Information Technology shall collaborate on designing and staffing other cost-effective and energy-efficient savings initiatives.

H. Provisions promoting the State’s energy efficiency goals shall be included in requests for proposals that:

(1) Are made after the date of this Executive Order;

(2) Are for the leasing of space to the State; and

(3) Would obligate the State to pay the utility bills for the leased space.

I. In consultation with MEA, DGS shall make appropriate amendments to the General Performance Standards and Specifications for the State of Maryland Leased Facilities to promote the reduction of energy use and costs in State-leased facilities.

J. With the advice and assistance of MEA, DGS shall each fiscal year report to the Governor on the State’s progress toward achieving the 10 percent reduction goal.

Effective date: June 25, 2019