1. For the purposes of the design and construction of buildings or other projects of this State, the Board shall adopt by regulation:

(a) Standards for the efficient use of water.

(b) Standards for the efficient use of energy, including, without limitation, the use of sources of renewable energy.

(c) Performance guidelines for new, remodeled and renovated buildings.

(d) Performance guidelines for retrofit projects, including, without limitation, guidelines for:

(1) Energy consumption.

(2) The use of potable water.

(3) The use of water for purposes relating to landscaping.

(4) The disposal of solid waste.

2. The standards and performance guidelines adopted in accordance with subsection 1 must include a mechanism for their evaluation and revision to ensure that such standards and guidelines:

(a) Are cost-effective over the life of the applicable project.

(b) Produce certain threshold levels of cost savings.

3. In adopting the standards and performance guidelines pursuant to subsection 1, the Board may consider, without limitation:

(a) The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System established by the U.S. Green Building Council or its successor;

(b) The Green Globes assessment and rating system developed by the Green Building Initiative or its successor;

(c) The standards established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to the Energy Star Program;

(d) The standards established by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers or its successor;

(e) The criteria established pursuant to the Federal Energy Management Program established by the United States Department of Energy; and

(f) The criteria established by the International Energy Conservation Code.

4. The regulations adopted pursuant to this section must include provisions for their enforcement.

5. As used in this section:

(a) “Biomass” means any organic matter that is available on a renewable basis, including, without limitation:

(1) Agricultural crops and agricultural wastes and residues;

(2) Wood and wood wastes and residues;

(3) Animal wastes;

(4) Municipal wastes; and

(5) Aquatic plants.

(b) “Renewable energy” means:

(1) Biomass;

(2) Solar energy; or

(3) Wind.

The term does not include coal, natural gas, oil, propane or any other fossil fuel, or nuclear energy.

(Added to NRS by 2009, 2755; A 2011, 118)