Bill > SB5514

This bill increases compliance pathways for the Clean Buildings Performance Standard by modifying several existing laws related to building energy efficiency. The bill allows the Department of Commerce more flexibility in developing energy performance standards for commercial and multi-family buildings, including the ability to develop alternative metrics for measuring energy use and greenhouse gas emissions beyond traditional energy use intensity targets. Key provisions include providing building owners with more options for meeting energy efficiency requirements, such as implementing alternative compliance methods, offering extensions for reporting deadlines, and creating additional exemption criteria. The bill expands the range of circumstances under which buildings can receive conditional compliance or exemptions, such as financial hardship, historical preservation status, or extenuating conditions like national security interests. For tier 2 covered buildings (those between 20,000 and 50,000 square feet), the bill establishes a phased approach to benchmarking and energy management requirements, with the department required to evaluate data and develop performance standards by 2030. The legislation aims to make energy efficiency standards more adaptable and achievable for building owners while maintaining the overall goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5514&Year=2025&Initiative=false