District of Columbia’s New Building Energy Performance Standard
In January 2019, Mayor Bowser signed into law the Clean Energy DC Omnibus Act, landmark legislation that means big changes for building owners within the District. The actions outlined in the Act will significantly contribute to the District’s goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% through saving energy and requiring 100% of the electricity sold in the District to come from renewable sources.
One of the most significant new policies created by the Act is the Building Energy Performance Standard (BEPS). Starting in 2021 and gradually lowering the size threshold over time, buildings over 50,000 sq. ft. will be rated against a minimum threshold of energy performance, most likely based on its ENERGY STAR score. Buildings below the threshold will have five years to become compliant, either through reducing their energy usage by a certain percent or following a prescriptive path to implement certain energy efficiency measures. BEPS also builds on the District’s existing energy benchmarking requirements by gradually lowering the size threshold for buildings that are required to participate and adding a requirement that the data is verified by a third party every three years. Energy used in buildings is, by far, the largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the District. By reducing that energy use, Once fully implemented, BEPS will result in a 12% reduction in the District’s annual GHG emissions, by reducing the amount of energy buildings use. This will also save building owners and tenants money.
The Act provides additional funding for the Sustainable Energy Trust Fund (SETF) for establishing the DC Green Bank, which will advance the financing and incentives needed for building owners to improve efficiency and comply with BEPS. This additional funding will complement and build upon the success of the DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) and the DC PACE program. The Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) is also supporting the creation of a high performance building hub to support building owners with technical assistance, training, and support to implement their energy efficiency efforts.
YOU have any opportunity to participate in the final design of the Building Energy Performance Standard! Over the past few months, DOEE has been hosting public working group sessions to discuss program implementation, improve and expand incentives and rebates, and develop strategies for compliance. There is one session left in September! Click here to sign up for a session or check out the BEPS website for more info.
