When should Building performance standard be used?

Building Performance Standard (BPS) is a regulatory requirement, typically set by a city or state, mandating that buildings meet specific energy efficiency or emissions reduction targets by a certain deadline, with penalties for non-compliance.

How Building Performance Standards Work

• Regulators set target thresholds for energy use intensity or greenhouse gas emissions for covered building types.
• Building owners must report annual energy and emissions data to demonstrate compliance.
• Buildings exceeding the allowed thresholds may face fines or be required to submit improvement plans.
• Compliance deadlines are often phased, with targets becoming stricter over time.

When Should Building Performance Standards Be Used

• When jurisdictions aim to reduce citywide carbon emissions from the building sector.
• When existing buildings need a regulatory driver to invest in energy efficiency upgrades.
• When policymakers want measurable, enforceable climate targets for large property portfolios.
• When aligning building performance with broader sustainability and climate action plans.

Best Practices for Complying with Building Performance Standards

• Conduct an energy audit early to understand the building's current performance relative to targets.
• Prioritize cost-effective efficiency upgrades, such as lighting, HVAC, and envelope improvements.
• Track compliance deadlines and reporting requirements closely to avoid penalties.
• Explore available incentives, grants, or financing programs to support required upgrades.

Building performance standards are pushing property owners toward measurable energy and emissions improvements, making early compliance planning essential to avoid penalties and capture available incentives.