Definitions.

For purposes of this part:

(1) “Acquisition” means to gain the sole or partial use of a building through a purchase agreement.

(2) “Builder” means the primary contractor who possesses the requisite skill, knowledge, and experience, and has the responsibility, to supervise, direct, manage, and control the contracting activities of the business organization with which she or he is connected and who has the responsibility to supervise, direct, manage, and control the construction work on a job for which she or he has obtained the building permit. Construction work includes, but is not limited to, foundation, framing, wiring, plumbing, and finishing work.

(3) “Building energy-efficiency rating system” means a whole building energy evaluation system that provides a reliable and scientifically based analysis of a building’s energy consumption or energy features and allows a comparison to similar building types in similar climate zones where applicable. Specifically, the rating system shall use standard calculations, formulas, and scoring methods; be applicable nationally; compare a building to a clearly defined and researched baseline or benchmark; require qualified professionals to conduct the rating or assessment; and provide a labeling and recognition program with specific criteria or levels. Residential program benchmarks for new construction must be consistent with national building standards. Residential building program benchmarks for existing construction must be consistent with national home energy rating standards. The building energy-efficiency rating system shall require at least one level of oversight performed by an organized and balanced group of professionals with subject matter expertise in energy efficiency, energy rating, and evaluation methods.

(4) “Designer” means the architect, engineer, landscape architect, builder, interior designer, or other person who performs the actual design work or under whose direct supervision and responsible charge the construction documents are prepared.

(5) “Energy auditor” means a trained and certified professional who conducts energy evaluations of an existing building and uses tools to identify the building’s current energy usage and the condition of the building and equipment.

(6) “Energy-efficiency rating” means an unbiased indication of a building’s relative energy efficiency based on consistent inspection procedures, operating assumptions, climate data, and calculation methods.

(7) “Energy rater” means an individual certified by a building energy-efficiency rating system to perform building energy-efficiency ratings for the building type and in the rating class for which the rater is certified.

(8) “New building” means commercial occupancy buildings permitted for construction after January 1, 1995, and residential occupancy buildings permitted for construction after January 1, 1994.

(9) “Public building” means a building comfort-conditioned for occupancy that is owned or leased by the state, a state agency, or a governmental subdivision, including, but not limited to, a city, county, or school district.