WASHINGTON CLEAN BUILDINGS + ENERGY BENCHMARKING
Expert Compliance Strategies for Tier 1 and Tier 2 Buildings
Navigate the Clean Buildings Performance Standard with confidence
INDEPENDENT ENGINEERING
Because we don't sell or install HVAC equipment, our only priority is identifying your most cost-effective path to compliance. Our recommendations are based on the technical program requirements, catered to your specific situation. We provide deep expertise in the deliverables required by the state, including the development of Energy Management Plans (EMP) and O&M programs.
SPECIALIZED WASHINGTON CBPS FOCUS
Our team are experts in the program requirements. We have developed a Washington Clean Buildings Playbook to provide a clear roadmap, detailing the critical upcoming deadlines, and outline a step-by-step path to ensure your building is compliant. Download your FREE copy today.
DATA-DRIVEN RESULTS
We handle the technical heavy lifting of Energy Star Portfolio Manager benchmarking and verified data reporting, the foundation of any EMP and a basic building block of the program requirement. Our services go beyond minimal compliance and are, by default, designed to minimize operational costs while maximizing your building's performance.
WA CBPS Compliance Requirements by Tier
The Washington State Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS) requires owners to actively manage energy performance. It applies to both Tier 1 (Large) and Tier 2 (Medium) buildings, but the obligations differ significantly.
Currently, Tier 1 buildings are approaching major compliance deadlines, while the law has expanded to cover smaller commercial and all multifamily buildings over 20,000 square feet (Tier 2).
⚠ More Than Just Reporting
Unlike simple benchmarking laws, Washington requires operational excellence. Every covered building must implement an Energy Management Plan (EMP) and an Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Program.
Performance Mandate
Commercial Buildings > 50,000 SF
- Benchmark Energy Consumption
- Implement O&M Program
- Energy Management Plan
- Meet Energy Target (EUIt)
You must perform a Level 2 Energy Audit and implement all cost-effective retrofits to achieve compliance.
Reporting & Management
20,000 - 50,000 SF & Multifamily
- Benchmark Energy Consumption
- Implement O&M Program
- Energy Management Plan
- Meet Energy Target (EUIt)
Compliance is based on reporting and management plans. You are not required to retrofit if you miss the target.
TAKE A STEP TOWARDS COMPLIANCE
Ready to discuss your portfolio and how Sheehan Engineering can help you achieve compliance?
Contact our engineering team to get started.
WA Clean Buildings FAQ
Common questions on CBPS costs, timelines, and requirements.
For a typical commercial building, developing a fully compliant Energy Management Plan (EMP) and O&M Program typically ranges from $4,000 – $8,000. For a Tier 2 building, the costs are often more than fully offset by available incentives, leaving you with funds in your pocket.
If your building requires an energy audit, we provide competitive proposals based on actual site conditions. Typically, this ranges from $0.25 - $0.50/sf for an ASHRAE Level 2 audit.
- EMP & O&M Development: Can be completed in as fast as 2 months.
- Energy Audit: Typically takes 3 months to complete site visits, analysis, and reporting.
- State Review: Once submitted, the CBPS review process often takes 4-8 weeks or longer.
Crucial Detail: This plan must be created and implemented 12 months before your reporting date. We develop this custom plan for you to ensure it meets all state requirements.
This includes creating maintenance logs for HVAC, lighting, and domestic hot water systems, and verifying they are operating efficiently.
How we help: We don't just write the plan; we can provide the required staff training and annual oversight to ensure your team is filling out the logs correctly and staying compliant year after year.
- Base Rate: $0.30 per sq. ft.
- Enhanced Rate: $0.75 per sq. ft. (Multifamily/High-Performance)
These funds are limited and first-come, first-served. We can help you assess your eligibility and apply before the funds run out.
This involves performing an ASHRAE Level 2 Energy Audit to identify energy-saving measures. If the measures are not cost-effective (do not pay for themselves over the life of the equipment), you may be exempt from implementing them while still achieving compliance.
Visit the WA Dept of Commerce Resources Page →
YOUR ROADMAP TO COMPLIANCE
Get in Touch
Whether you know your needs or have questions on the requirements, we are here to help.
Fill out the form or get in touch below:
Email kevin@sheehan-eng.com
Call (773) 312-2898
