Building Energy Performance Standards

What Are BEPS?

In 2022, Maryland legislature passed the "Climate Solutions Now" Act aimed at significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change. Provisions of the law task the state with:

• Expanding energy efficiency and electrification requirements for buildings, including net-zero mandates for certain new constructions.

• Strengthening environmental reporting and accountability measures to track progress toward climate goals.

To support those objectives, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) developed Building Energy Performance Standards, or BEPS. These regulations apply to facilities that are 35,000 square feet and larger (excluding the parking garage area). Historic buildings, schools, factories, agricultural buildings, and federal buildings maybe exempted.

To find complete information on the law, including how to comply, please see the State's website:

https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/air/ClimateChange/Pages/BEPS.aspx

What is Involved?

• Benchmarking: By September 1, 2025, facilities must provide MDE with a benchmark of their existing energy use.
• Tracking: Starting in 2025, BEPS requires facilities to report their annual energy consumption to MDE. 
• Emissions Reduction Goals: By January 1, 2040, BEPS requires commercial and multifamily residential buildings with 35,000 or more square feet of floor area (excluding parking garages) to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions.
• Compliance Fees: Penalties from the State will result for non-compliance with reporting or not meeting emissions goals.