The Washington Clean Buildings Act (HB 1257) was signed into law in May, 2019. This law establishes performance-based energy targets and reporting requirements for building owners of large commercial buildings. The intent of this law is to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions for existing and new buildings over 50,000 square feet.
The Washington Department of Commerce will develop energy-use intensity (EUI) performance standards by November, 2020. The law will offer a voluntary incentive program starting in 2021. Beginning in 2026, the standard will be implemented as a mandatory requirement.
More details on the Clean Buildings Act, rulemaking process, key dates, and helpful resources, are available from the Department of Commerce, where you can also sign up for email updates.
Tacoma Power offers energy conservation incentives and rebates, which can be combined with State incentives from this law. Building owners can benchmark their buildings using Energy Star Portfolio Manager. This helps assess your eligibility for incentives and obligations to make improvements under this law. For more information about Tacoma Power efficiency programs, visit our business rebate page or email bizrebates@cityoftacoma.org.