Maryland Building Performance Standards - Fossil Fuel Use, Energy Conservation, and Electric- and Solar-Ready Standards (Better Buildings Act of 2025)

SB 804 (Better Buildings Act of 2025) requires new buildings and major renovations (costing 50% or more of a building's replacement value) in Maryland to meet specific energy standards. It mandates that these buildings must provide all laundry, water, and space heating without fossil fuels, adopt stricter energy conservation measures than the baseline International Energy Conservation Code, and include "electric-ready" and "solar-ready" design features. "Electric-ready" means having sufficient electrical capacity and space for future high-efficiency appliances, while "solar-ready" requires at least 40% of the roof area to be unobstructed for potential solar panel installation. These standards apply to buildings seeking permits after August 1, 1995 (as referenced in the bill, though implementation timelines are defined by the Maryland Department of Labor). The bill updates building codes to prioritize fossil fuel-free operations and renewable energy infrastructure in new construction.