As used in this Act, unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
"Energy conservation measure" means any improvement, repair, alteration, or betterment of any building or facility owned or operated by a unit of local government or any equipment, fixture, or furnishing to be added to or used in any such building or facility, subject to all applicable building codes, that is designed to reduce energy consumption or operating costs, and may include, without limitation, one or more of the following:
"Guaranteed energy savings contract" means a contract for: (i) the implementation of an energy audit, data collection, and other related analyses preliminary to the undertaking of energy conservation measures; (ii) the evaluation and recommendation of energy conservation measures; (iii) the implementation of one or more energy conservation measures; and (iv) the implementation of project monitoring and data collection to verify post-installation energy consumption and energy-related operating costs. The contract shall provide that all payments, except obligations on termination of the contract before its expiration, are to be made over time and that the savings are guaranteed to the extent necessary to pay the costs of the energy conservation measures. Energy savings may include energy reduction and offsetting sources of renewable energy funds including renewable energy credits and carbon credits.
"Qualified provider" means a person or business whose employees are experienced and trained in the design, implementation, or installation of energy conservation measures. The minimum training required for any person or employee under this paragraph shall be the satisfactory completion of at least 40 hours of course instruction dealing with energy conservation measures. A qualified provider to whom the contract is awarded shall give a sufficient bond to the unit of local government for its faithful performance.
"Request for proposals" means a competitive selection achieved by negotiated procurement. The request for proposals shall be announced through at least one public notice, at least 14 days before the request date in a newspaper published in the territory comprising the unit of local government or, if no newspaper is published in that territory, in a newspaper of general circulation in the area of the unit of local government, from a unit of local government that will administer the program, requesting innovative solutions and proposals for energy conservation measures. Proposals submitted shall be sealed. The request for proposals shall include all of the following:
"Unit of local government" means a county, township, municipality, or park district.
50 ILCS 515/5