PRESS

Washington D.C. has established the 2021 Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) which became effective January 1, 2021 for existing and new buildings. The new standards set requirements for a building’s Energy Start score or equivalent Source Energy Use Intensity (Source EUI) based on the property type classification. These standards are part of a three-stage plan to meet the new energy performance standards in existing buildings and achieve energy and climate goals stated in the Sustainable DC plan, which aims to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption by 50% by Year 2032.

This first compliance period, which start this year and ends  in 2026, affects private buildings with a footprint greater than 50,000 square ft and D.C.-owned buildings greater than 10,000 square ft. Phase Two, starting in 2027, will require building greater than 25,000 square feet to comply, and the final phase, starting in 2033, will include all building greater than 10,000 square feet. Buildings that do not meet the BPS will be placed into a compliance cycle and will have the end of the performance period to comply to the standards or be subject to fines.  

A guide to the 2021 BEPS can be found at https://doee.dc.gov/publication/guide-2021-building-energy-performance-standards.