Building Emissions Performance Standards

Building performance standards (BPS) are energy or emissions targets that existing buildings must meet over time to improve energy efficiency and reduce climate impacts. While Washington State's energy performance standards are an important start, they will not be enough to meet Seattle's climate goals and a move to a cleaner energy future. With extensive stakeholder engagement in 2022 and on-going development in 2023, OSE is proposing legislation to enact a Building Emissions Performance Standard (BEPS) policy for existing commercial and multifamily buildings larger than 20,000 square feet. Seattle's BEPS policy is projected to reduce building emissions 27% by 2050, making it the most impactful climate action Seattle can take now.

News & Updates: 

• August 10, 2023 - Proposed Building Emissions Performance Standard (BEPS) Policy Guides and Emissions Targets
  • Introduction to Seattle Proposed BEPS Policy (August 2023)
  • Seattle BEPS: Guide to the Proposed Policy (August 2023)
  • Seattle BEPS: Proposed GHGI Targets & Emissions Factors (August 2023)
• August 9, 2023 - New Financial Incentives for Decarbonization Factsheet
• June 8, 2023 - Mayor Harrell Introduces New Building Emissions Performance Standard (BEPS) to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions 27% from Existing Buildings

• June 8, 2023 – State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Determination Issued - The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) has issued a Determination of Non-Significance under SEPA (no Environmental Impact Statement required) for the proposed Building Emissions Performance Standard. More information:

  • Notice of Determination of Non-Significance
  • Analysis & Decision for SEPA Threshold Determination
  • SEPA Checklist
  • SEPA Checklist Attachments:
    • The Proposed Draft Ordinance (attach 1)
    • Draft Office of Sustainability and Environment’s Director’s Report (attach 2)
    • Attachments 3, 4 and 5
    • Seattle City Light Letter (attach 6)