Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS)
The ultimate guide to staying in compliance
Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS)
Washington State created the CBPS in 2019 to cut energy use and reduce carbon emissions from commercial and multifamily buildings. The program sets required energy-efficiency standards and deadlines for building owners. In 2022, the law expanded to include smaller buildings.
Building Tiers
CBPS requirements are based on building size
Commercial buildings
50,000 sq ft
or larger
Commercial buildings
20,000-50,000 sq ft
and multifamily buildings
20,000+ sq ft
Each tier has different rules and deadlines.
Tier 1
Requirements
Tier 1 owners must:
- Track and report building energy use.
- Implement Operations and Maintenance (O&M) procedures that meet CBPS standards.
- Create and follow an energy management plan.
- Either:
○ Meet an Energy Use Intensity (EUI) target, or ○ Complete an energy audit and make cost-effective upgrades.
Deadlines
220,000+ sq ft June 1, 2026
90,000-220,000 sq ft June 1, 2027
50,000–90,000 sq ft June 1, 2028
Tier 2
Requirements
Tier 2 owners must:
- Track building energy use.
- Implement O&M practices that meet CBPS standards.
- Prepare an energy management plan.
Deadlines
Tier 2 July 1, 2027
If an owner misses a deadline, the state issues warnings, then fines
Penalties:
Up to $5,000 per building, plus:
$1.50
per sq ft per year
$0.30
per sq ft per year
Submitting a mitigation plan and showing progress may reduce fines by up to 70%. Ignoring notices can result in full penalties.
Buildings may qualify for an exemption if they meet criteria such as:
Low or no occupancy
Less than 50,000 sq ft of conditioned space
Primarily industrial/manufacturing use
Agricultural structures
Pending demolition
Financial hardship (foreclosure, receivership, etc.)
Owners must apply no earlier than three years and no later than 180 days before their deadline. Even if approved, they must confirm the exemption again close to the deadline.
Washington offers financial incentives for owners who comply early.
Contact Us
Consultants. Experts. Innovators.™
Rimkus Corporate Headquarters 2140 Wickchester Lane, Suite 300 Houston, Texas 77079
Tom Khoudary Director Business Development
Operating from more than 100 offices, the Rimkus team of expert consultants assists clients with complex matters worldwide
