WA CBPS

Washington State’s Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS) requires many existing commercial and multifamily buildings to reduce energy use and meet performance targets. The goal is to improve building efficiency, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce operating costs statewide.

The standard applies to buildings 20,000 square feet and larger, and compliance is managed by the Washington State Department of Commerce.

Partner Energy provides full-service consulting to help property owners determine if their buildings are covered, develop a compliance plan, and meet all requirements of Washington CBPS while maximizing incentives and avoiding penalties.

Which Buildings Are Covered under Washington CBPS?

Washington CBPS divides covered buildings into two tiers:

• Tier 1: Commercial, nonresidential, hotel, motel, and dormitory buildings larger than 50,000 square feet (excluding parking areas).

• Tier 2: Commercial and multifamily buildings 20,000–50,000 square feet.

Washington CBPS Compliance Deadlines

Tier 1 Buildings

• June 1, 2026: Buildings ≥220,001 SF

• June 1, 2027: Buildings 90,001–220,000 SF

• June 1, 2028: Buildings 50,000–90,000 SF
  (An Operations & Maintenance program is due 12 months before the compliance deadline.)

Tier 2 Buildings

• July 1, 2027: Commercial buildings 20,000–50,000 SF and multifamily buildings over 20,000 SF

What’s Required

Tier 1 buildings must:

1. Complete Energy Benchmarking

2. Establish an Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Program

3. Develop an Energy Management Plan (EMP)

4. Meet the Energy Performance Standard

Tier 2 buildings must:

1. Complete Energy Benchmarking

2. Establish an O&M Program

3. Develop an Energy Management Plan

Washington CBPS requires both tiers to monitor energy performance continuously and renew compliance every five years.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply can result in fines of up to $5,000 plus a daily amount equal to $1.00 per square foot per year for up to 18 months. For Tier 2 buildings, penalties are capped at $0.30 per square foot.

Turnkey Support for WA CBPS

Partner Energy’s team provides turnkey compliance support for the Washington CBPS, including:

• Building Screening: Identify which buildings are covered and confirm exemptions

• Energy Benchmarking: Collect utility data and benchmark in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager

• O&M and EMP Development: Prepare programs that meet Commerce’s requirements

• Energy Audits & Upgrade Planning: Assess performance gaps and recommend cost-effective improvements

• Incentive Coordination: Capture early adopter and utility incentives to offset costs

• Compliance Submittals: Prepare and file documentation through the Commerce Clean Buildings Portal

• Ongoing Monitoring: Manage five-year recertification and reporting cycles

Partner Energy helps you meet compliance deadlines, avoid penalties, and enhance building performance—with minimal disruption to your operations. Contact us to determine if your buildings are covered under the Washington CBPS and develop a customized compliance roadmap.