Clean Buildings Compliance: Requirements, Timelines & Resources (Recording)-Recording - 10.15.26

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Washington State Department of Commerce staff explained the Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS), enacted to reduce building-related greenhouse gas emissions. The standard applies to Tier 1 buildings over 50,000 square feet and Tier 2 buildings between 20,000 and 50,000 square feet, as well as multifamily buildings over 20,000 square feet. Schools may generally comply as campuses, with deadlines based on building size.<br /><br />Covered buildings must benchmark energy use in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and develop an energy management plan and operations and maintenance program. Tier 1 buildings must also meet an energy-use target or qualify through an alternative pathway, such as demonstrating a 15% energy-use reduction, meeting investment criteria, or electrifying space heating. Exemptions and extensions may be available in qualifying situations. Compliance is the building owner’s responsibility, and applications are submitted through Commerce’s Clean Buildings portal.<br /><br />Commerce described incentives, grants, training, webinars, guidance, and customer support, encouraging districts to start early and seek help. School districts have received grants for audits and energy improvements; Tier 2 incentives are also available, subject to eligibility and funding.<br /><br />OSPI highlighted an existing energy-assessment grant for districts with 1,000 or fewer students, which can fund ASHRAE Level 2 audits. OSPI is also seeking 2027 capital funding for HVAC, energy-efficiency, and assessment projects. Participants discussed combining funding sources, audit validity, planned building closures or renovations, and student fellowship programs that can help districts with energy work.

Keywords

Clean Buildings Performance Standard

CBPS

Washington State Department of Commerce

greenhouse gas emissions

ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager

building energy benchmarking

Tier 1 buildings

Tier 2 buildings

multifamily buildings

energy management plan

school district energy grants