Announcing Pathway Forward: Understanding Clean Buildings Forum Encore Presentation

Helping Washington building owners plan for success on the mandatory Clean Buildings Standard

UMC, Hargis Engineers, and the Northwest Energy Efficiency Council (NEEC) have rejoined forces to host an encore presentation of “Pathway Forward: Understanding Clean Buildings.” This free 90-minute virtual forum will help building stakeholders break down the options and implications of the Washington State Clean Buildings Standard to define a path forward that aligns with their operating portfolio. It will be held on Wednesday, January 26, 10:30am-12:00pm. The session is AIA | HSW accredited. Register today.

The Clean Buildings Standard (CBS) is a starting point for improving Washington’s buildings’ operational efficiency. The standard provides an equalized framework for building owners to measure and report their building’s operating energy utilization. Centered around targeting energy use intensity (EUI) by building type and size, all commercial buildings over 50,000 square feet will need to comply by 2028 (220,000 square feet by 2026), and maintain compliance over time, or be subject to annual penalties – regardless of age or historical status.

Joining UMC, Hargis, and NEEC during the forum will be an esteemed panel of experts on building energy efficiency, decarbonization, and energy policy in Washington State. The panel includes Amy Wheeless, NW Energy Coalition; Poppy Storm, 2050 Institute; and Ron Major, Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES). The panel will be moderated by Kerry Meade, Northwest Energy Efficiency Council (NEEC).

This new law continues to make headlines as further measures emerge to curb buildings’ climate emissions. In his December 2021 Proposed 2022 Supplemental Budget & Policy brief to lawmakers ahead of the spring 2022 legislative session, Governor Inslee endorsed stronger energy efficiency standards for buildings measuring 20,000 square feet or more, including multi-residential and commercial spaces. If this measure is adopted, the number of Washington’s operating facilities subject to the CBS with a five-year renewal schedule could more than double. Municipal and statewide building and energy codes are also moving in this direction: the CBS is the easy first step to be ready for what’s to come.

For more information click here.