What are BEPS?
The Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) are a minimum threshold of energy performance by property type created to drive energy use reduction in existing buildings. The program was created to help meet the energy and climate goals of the Sustainable DC plan — to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption by 50% by 2032.
Am I Affected by BEPS?
The BEPS program is an extension of DC’s benchmarking requirements. Building owners are required to track the energy and water usage for their building(s) using the US EPA’s ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager and report that data to DOEE on an annual basis. Over time, the benchmarking requirement will expand to smaller buildings, and eventually, require all private and city-owned buildings 10,000 sq. ft. and over to benchmark.
Timeline of DC's Benchmarking Requirement
Whether or not you meet DC’s BEPS depends on your building’s median energy score as determined by your benchmarked energy usage. If your building does not score above the median performance, it has six years to demonstrate improvement or face financial penalties. The target for improvement is based on your property type. The Building Energy Performance Standards Compliance Guidebook contains details about the pathways, reporting, and more.
The Standards for the First Compliance Cycle
