In this chapter,
(1) “alternative energy system”
(A) means a source of thermal, mechanical, or electrical energy that is not dependent on oil or gas for the supply of energy for space heating and cooling, refrigeration and cold storage, electrical power, mechanical power, or the heating of water;
(B) includes
(i) an alternative energy property as defined by 26 U.S.C. 48(a)(3)(A); and
(ii) a method of architectural design and construction that provides for the collection, storage, and use of direct radiation from the sun;
(2) “department” means the Department of Environmental Conservation;
(3) “energy audit” means a determination and written summary prepared under 42 U.S.C. 8216(b) of
(A) the energy consumption characteristics of a building, including the size, type, and rate of energy consumption of major energy consuming systems of the building and the climate characterizing the region where the building is located; and
(B) the energy conservation and cost savings likely to result from appropriate energy-conserving maintenance and operating procedures and modifications, including the purchase and installation of energy-related fixtures; for purposes of this subparagraph when a fossil fuel is the energy source, the energy cost savings shall be determined with reference to the projected price of that fossil fuel over a 10-year period;
(4) “financial institution” means a bank, trust company, savings bank, savings and loan association, or credit union;
(5) “life-cycle cost” means the total cost of owning, operating, and maintaining a building over its useful life, including its energy and fuel costs, determined on a basis of a systematic evaluation and comparison of alternative building systems, except that in the case of leased buildings the life-cycle cost shall be calculated over the effective remaining term of the lease;
(6) “public building” means a building owned or controlled and held by the state for government or public use;
(7) “state financial assistance” means a loan, grant, guarantee, insurance, payment, rebate, subsidy, or other form of state assistance other than aid under AS 05.35.010 - 05.35.070, AS 14.11, and AS 29.60, including the purchase by a state agency of a loan to finance the construction or purchase of a residential building;
(8) “thermal and lighting energy standards” means the thermal and lighting energy standards
(A) established by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers as revised by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation for buildings and structures that are not public facilities; or
(B) developed in regulations adopted by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation for buildings and structures that are not public facilities.