Building Emissions Performance Standard
Seattle has adopted a new Building Emissions Performance Standard (BEPS) Policy, unanimously approved by City Council and signed by Mayor Harrell on December 13, 2023. Building performance standards are energy or emissions targets that existing buildings must meet over time to improve energy efficiency and reduce climate impacts. Seattle's BEPS policy was developed over two years of extensive stakeholder engagement. The regulation applies to existing commercial and multifamily buildings larger than 20,000 square feet and is projected to reduce building emissions 27% by 2050, making it one of the most impactful climate actions for Seattle.
News & Updates:
- Feb 15, 2024 - Webinar recording and handouts: "Seattle’s Brand-New Building Emissions Performance Standard: What You Need to Know Now." Presented by OSE and hosted by the Lighting Design lab on Feb. 1st. Watch Recording or View Slides
- Feb 15, 2024 - Seattle Clean Buildings Accelerator technical support program - info sessions and free coaching session dates for 2024 announced. Learn more or enroll
- Jan 5, 2024 - Newly Adopted Building Emissions Performance Standard (BEPS) Policy Guides and Emissions Targets
- Introduction to Seattle BEPS Policy
- Seattle BEPS: Guide to New Policy
- Seattle BEPS: GHGI Targets & Emissions Factors
- The adopted legislation may be read here. For additional background read the BEPS Director's Report.
- What's Next: Rulemaking is expected to start in mid-2024. More details about the process and timing will be posted here and announced in OSE newsletters.
- December 13, 2023 - News Release: Mayor Harrell Signs Building Emissions Performance Standard (BEPS) Legislation into Law
Learn More:
Building Emissions Performance Standard Policy - "BEPS"
Learn why Seattle enacted building emissions targets for existing buildings greater than 20,000 square feet and keep up to date on the latest policy news and timeline.
Clean Buildings for Washington
The Clean Buildings for Washington law, being implemented by the Washington State Department of Commerce, applies to all commercial buildings larger than 50,000 SF and includes an energy performance standard. Learn more and find resources to comply.
Seattle Clean Buildings Accelerator
The Accelerator supports building owners and managers to meet the State of WA Clean Buildings requirements and to reduce building emissions, with a priority on those buildings in or serving frontline and BIPOC communities. Learn about the educational and light coaching support.