Washington CBPS &
Seattle BEPS Glossary

Glossary

Understand the key terms, acronyms, compliance requirements, and incentive programs used in Washington’s Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS) and Building Emissions Performance Standard (BEPS).

What Are CBPS & BEPS?

CBPS

The Clean Buildings Performance Standard is a Washington state law requiring commercial and multifamily buildings larger than 20,000 sq ft to meet energy performance targets, maintain operational standards, and submit compliance documentation.

BEPS

Seattle’s Building Emissions Performance Standard establishes greenhouse gas emissions targets for existing buildings and replaces the city’s former Tune-Ups program.

Energy Benchmarking Terms

EUI

WNEUI

Portfolio Manager

Required Documentation & Operations

EMP — Energy Management Plan

A written strategy documenting energy governance, operational procedures, conservation measures, monitoring, and staff training.

O&M — Operations & Maintenance

A documented program outlining how building systems are operated and maintained efficiently to support energy performance goals.

Reporting Requirements

Covered buildings must benchmark energy use, maintain records, and submit compliance documentation according to Washington state deadlines.

Washington CBPS Early Adopter Incentives

The Washington State Department of Commerce offers substantial financial incentives to building owners who proactively comply with Clean Buildings Performance Standard requirements.

Tier 1 Early Adopter Incentive Program:

The Tier 1 Early Adopter Incentive Program is available and applies to non-residential, hotel, motel and dormitory buildings greater than 50,000 ft2. An eligible building owner that demonstrates early compliance with the Clean Buildings Performance Standard may receive a one-time base incentive payment. Incentive funds are limited to $75 million. Reference RCW 19.27A.220 the state energy performance standard for more information.

Requirements:

Building must be 15+ EUI above target
Achieve full CBPS compliance
Meet Energy Use Intensity target (EUIt)

Tier 2 Early Adopter Incentive Program:

The Tier 2 Early Adopter Incentive Program, covers buildings between 20,000 – 50,001 sq ft, including multifamily residential buildings over 20,000 sq ft. A total of $150 million has been allocated for Tier 2 incentives, with Commerce partnering with Washington State utilities to pay these incentives to building owners. Commerce will review and approve compliance and incentive applications, and the incentive will be paid by the building’s utility provider on a first-come, first-served basis.

Requirements:
Energy benchmarking, Energy Management Plan (EMP), and Operations & Maintenance (O&M) program only. No energy performance target required.

Let’s Get You Compliant

Avoid Penalties.

Stay Ahead of Deadlines.

We help building owners navigate benchmarking, audits, operational improvements, reporting, and incentive opportunities for CBPS and Seattle BEPS compliance.

CBPS compliance Deadline: Avoid continued penalties or fines by filing your report today!

Washington CBPS &
Seattle BEPS Glossary