Building Performance Standards

Building performance standards (BPS) are energy or emissions targets that existing buildings must meet over time to improve energy efficiency and reduce climate impacts. Washington State's new energy performance standards are an important start, but will not be enough to move Seattle's buildings to a clean energy future. OSE is currently drafting a policy framework for legislation to enact an emissions-based BPS for existing commercial and multifamily buildings 20,000 square feet and larger. OSE is conducting an inclusive stakeholder engagement process now through August 2022.

News & Updates:

• August 22, 2022 - Learn about the Seattle Clean Buildings Accelerator offerings and ask questions by attending a live online info session from noon to 1pm on August 24th (register) or September 7th (register). Visit the Accelerator webpage for updates and a recording of a past info session.
• August 4, 2022 - Check out the new Building Energy Efficiency & Electrification Costing Analysis summary that estimates costs per square foot for dozens of energy efficiency and decarbonization actions.
• June 16, 2022 - OSE hosted its second online open house which provided an update on work to date and highlights of stakeholder feedback received on developing a BPS policy. OSE also shared the Draft Seattle BPS policy framework for the regulations, the updated policy timeline, and took comments and questions on the draft policy framework. Watch the recording, view the slide deck or read the summary questions and answers. Comments may be sent to cleanbuildings@seattle.gov.