Building Emissions Performance Standard

Buildings are responsible for 40% of Seattle's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, leading the City to adopt the Building Emissions Performance Standard (BEPS) law, which requires most buildings larger than 20,000 square feet to reach net zero emissions between 2041 and 2050.

The Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE) is developing a BEPS Director’s Rule that will finalize BEPS compliance details ahead of the first deadlines in 2027.

OSE is hosting two webinars in May to solicit feedback from stakeholders to inform its drafting of the Building Emissions Performance Standard (BEPS) Director’s Rule. Here's how you can get involved:

Learn more:

Buildings in Downtown Seattle

Policy Background

Learn why Seattle enacted building emissions targets for existing buildings greater than 20,000 square feet and what the expected impact is.

Towers in Seattle

Rulemaking

OSE is preparing a Director's Rule to clarify BEPS elements. Use this page to learn more or leave a public comment to inform our rulemaking.

Downtown Seattle skyline seen from Elliott Bay

FAQs

Find the answers to frequently asked questions about BEPS.

Inspection of building equipment

Get Support with BEPS

The Clean Buildings Accelerator supports building owners and managers with meeting BEPS and WA Clean Building Performance Standard requirements via coaching and trainings.

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News and Updates

Stay up-to-date on the latest BEPS news and sign up for the BEPS newsletter.

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Resources

Access BEPS policy guides, case studies, recorded webinars, and more.

Sustainability and Environment

Michelle Caulfield, Interim Director
Address: 700 5th Avenue, #1868, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 94729, Seattle, WA, 98124-4729
Phone: (206) 256-5158
OSE@seattle.gov

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We collaborate with City agencies, business groups, nonprofit organizations, and other partners to protect and enhance Seattle's distinctive environmental quality and livability.