Washington Clean Buildings Performance Standard
UMC offers technical knowledge of CBS and technical know-how to help your building meet compliance.
01
What is the Clean Buildings Standard?
CBS is a first-of-its-kind standard that requires thousands of commercial buildings in Washington to meet an energy performance target, make large capital investments, or be subject to substantial annual penalties. The standard will apply to large non-residential spaces greater than 50,000 SF and will be centered around targeting energy use intensity (EUI) by building type and size, and methods of conditional compliance. This compliance offers a hedge against long-term power expenses: fossil energy costs are more likely to increase at a greater rate than electricity, even accounting for the costs to upgrade a building’s electricity service.
02
Mandatory compliance.
Don’t be fooled by the law’s compliance dates. There is significant work involved to comply with the law. Taking steps today gives you access to an incentive that can save you significant money.
Ready to get started? We’ve got your back.
03
Early adopter incentive program.
The state has allocated $75 million for a one-time Early Adopter Incentive. This program gets your building into compliance and helps pay for required capital projects. It’s time to get your building ready now. These incentives could be as high as $0.85 per SF and are additional to other energy efficiency incentives through utilities and grants your building may be eligible to receive. For a 220,000 SF building, you could pocket $187,000 just for acting quickly to improve your building’s overall efficiency!
Begin now to reserve your share: work with a provider to build a plan to be ready with a strong application for these incentive dollars. Building owners who choose to waive early adoption opportunities will face deadlines to meet compliance. Those who choose not to comply at all will face a substantial penalty for up to 18 months.
04
Key deliverables for compliance.
Meeting the challenges doesn’t have to be complicated. UMC acts as a consultative partner by simplifying your business case for meeting compliance. Our experts step in to lead the creation of deliverables needed for compliance. These include, but are not limited to:
- Benchmarking your building’s current EUI using Energy Star Portfolio Manager
- Developing an O&M plan as outlined in ASHRAE-100 Section 6 and WAC 194-50-060
- Developing an Energy Management Plan to satisfy one of the two metrics: [1] meet EUIt by the compliance date; or [2] satisfy the investment criteria as specified in Normative Annex X in WAC 194-50-140
05
Clean Buildings Standard Forum Series
The intricacies of the Clean Buildings Standard will carry both immediate and long-term impacts. UMC, Hargis Engineers, and the Northwest Energy Efficiency Council (NEEC) joined forces in 2021 and 22 to break down the Clean Buildings Standard’s options and implications during three interactive forums so participants could begin to define a path forward that aligns with their portfolio. Click the links below to watch the presentations.
Session 1: A focus on Washington State (11/16/21)
Session 2: A focused conversation for buildings in City of Seattle (11/18/21)
Encore Presentation
(1/26/22)
06
Why partner with UMC?
We live and work here in the Northwest, just like you. We have a vested interest in creating healthy, sustainable, energy-efficient buildings and systems that minimize the effects on our environment. A high-performance, low-impact facility also reduces utility and operational costs, making it a great investment for the future.
Energy Star® Certified Provider
Let us guide you by benchmarking your building by using the Energy Star Portfolio Manager, comparing EUI with the mandates in the Clean Buildings Standard and developing an actionable path to compliance.
Proven Tune-Up Experts Throughout King County
We are experienced experts in programs like Seattle City Light’s tune-ups protocol – in fact, they report that UMC finds more items for buildings to save energy and dollars than any other contractor! We will help you meet or exceed your mandatory Clean Buildings Standard energy target.
Energy Savings Performance Contracting
As a pre-qualified ESCO, UMC makes ESPC an easy and seamless process for both private and public buildings. Acting as the single source of accountability, we manages the process to make projects a low effort but high value activity. These aren’t just words, they are guaranteed outcomes and compliance.
WE'VE GOT YOUR BACK
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UMC has technical experts ready to answer any questions.
Published | Washington Clean Building Standard & Public Buildings
How WA's Clean Buildings Standard applies to your publicly owned building, and how your building department can prepare for the new requirements.Bonnie Frye Hemphill Director of Policy & Partnerships
Washington Clean Buildings Standard: Four Steps to Compliance.
Benchmark. Budget. Document. Track. Prepare your building and your budget today.Chris Olmsted Sales Manager
UMC offers technical knowledge of the new Clean Buildings Standard
As UMC’s operational expert around the Clean Buildings Standard I sat down and distilled the multifaceted pathways to compliance.Martin Clinton Building Performance Services Manager
Understanding the Requirements and Application Process for WA's Clean Building Standards Early Adopter Incentive
The WA Early Adopter Incentive for the Clean Buildings Standard is now open. Here is a summary to help you understand its requirements and how to apply.Martin Clinton Building Performance Services Manager
Early Action on New Legislative Requirements
UMC offers technical knowledge of the new Clean Buildings Standard and technical know-how to help your building meet compliance.Bonnie Frye Hemphill Director of Policy & Partnerships
Featured in The Association of Washington Cities Magazine
Getting Clean: How municipal buildings can meet WA's new Clean Buildings StandardBonnie Frye Hemphill Director of Policy & Partnerships
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