Building Energy Performance Standards
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The Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 established a statewide building energy performance standard (BEPS) that requires Maryland’s large commercial and multifamily buildings (35,000 square feet and larger, excluding the parking garage area) to achieve incremental reductions in net direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, ultimately resulting in net-zero onsite GHG emissions by January 1, 2040.
Efficient net-zero direct emissions buildings improve comfort, resilience, and reliability, and provide savings on energy costs compared to old, inefficient buildings. Investments in achieving these standards are investments in buildings that will pay dividends to occupants and building owners for decades to come.
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), and other state agencies are working together to help buildings realize the benefits of efficient electrification. Through the
Maryland Clean Buildings Hub, an initiative of the Maryland Energy Administration, MEA is committed to helping connect building owners with funding and financing opportunities, technical assistance, and other relevant resources.
- Know the requirements: Visit MDE’s BEPS webpage to learn more about the regulations.
- Benchmarking: Energy benchmarking is the process of tracking a building's annual energy use and using a standard metric to compare the building's performance against past performance and to similar building types. Benchmarking improves understanding of energy consumption patterns; helps identify energy saving opportunities within a portfolio of buildings; and manages business bottom line through consistent data collection and tracking.
- Energy Audits: Conducting an energy audit is a recommended first step in a building’s electrification and decarbonization journey.
- Funding & Financing: Covered buildings may be eligible for federal, state, local, or utility incentives to help defray some of the upfront costs of building decarbonization. Visit MEA’s building decarbonization incentive pages organized by building type to get started.
- BEPS Portal: Building owners can access covered building lists, unique building identifiers, and exemption forms through MDE’s BEPS Portal.
- MDE BEPS Office Hours: MDE holds office hours to help building owners understand the regulation’s requirements.
- BEPS Video Playlist: Visit MDE’s YouTube channel to view recordings of BEPS outreach sessions and Working Group meetings.
- Montgomery County BEPS: Buildings located in Montgomery County may also be subject to the County’s BEPS. Visit the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection’s BEPS webpage to learn more about the local regulations.
