Clean Buildings Performance Standard FAQs

• When filling out the form, include a list of the building(s) parcel IDs, the square footage and any additional documentation or information.

• Data verification can be done by either using full access or guest access.
• If you own multiple buildings and only some of those buildings need to comply, submit your application through Full Access. Click here for instructions.

Initial access to the Clean Buildings Portal requires an access code found in the building owner notification letter, or the Clean Buildings staff may grant you shared access upon request.

To request a copy of the building owner notification letter or to request shared access, complete the request form. This will provide Commerce staff with the information needed to verify applicants are authorized to view and/or maintain building/parcel information on behalf of the organization.

Here are some steps to get you started:

• Log into the Clean Building Portal (full access) using the code found in your notification letter.
• Click on the building profile and change the Parcel Status to “Ownership Confirmed.”
• Download a copy of the Standard to learn more.
• Visit the How to Comply webpage to find helpful information, videos and additional flowcharts to get you started.
• Visit the Support and Resources webpage for resources that can assist with compliance, including a directory of qualified persons, a directory of energy auditors and Commerce how to’s.

Current law states that all applications for exemption to the Standard must be received by Commerce between 365 and 180 days before the scheduled compliance date.

We understand this application time frame may cause concern, since buildings with denied exemptions could have very little time to meet the compliance deadline. We are currently working on guidelines that will allow for application for exemption at any point prior to 180 days before the compliance date. We will post notification of updated guidelines to the Clean Buildings webpage once they have been finalized.

• Sign up and receive an email when the guidelines have been posted on our website and exemption applications are available.
• Find resources specific to the details of exemption application requirements.

Commerce used a combination of methods to identify possible covered commercial buildings after receiving feedback from stakeholders that county assessor data did not always contain the information needed to accomplish this task.

They created county-specific Geographic Information System layers showing possible covered commercial buildings and their estimated gross floor area using available Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) data.

Buildings can span multiple parcels, and our visual identification method does not allow us to see if there are internal connections between structures on adjoining parcels.

Before applying for the Early Adopter Incentive Program, determine if you are eligible by visiting the program webpage and review the program guidelines.

If you are eligible, the application can be found in the Clean Buildings Portal.

Please visit the Early Adopter Incentive Program webpage and review the program guidelines for more information.

The Clean Buildings Performance Standard applies to covered commercial buildings. Covered commercial buildings are defined as non-residential, hotel, motel and dormitory buildings greater than 50,000 gross square feet, excluding the parking garage area. If a building owned by a church or non-profit meets the definition of a covered commercial building, they will need to comply.

No, a building is not required to be sub-metered to comply with the Standard. Covered commercial buildings subject to the Standard that are not independently metered, and thus cannot measure an energy use intensity (EUI), need to comply with the investment criteria.

Residential condo owners do not need to comply. We have updated our records to reflect this. A data verification request is not necessary. No further action is required.

Commerce can assign several people to access the same building(s). Please complete the following:

• Have each person that requires access complete the Shared Access Request Form. This will provide Commerce staff with information needed to verify applicants are authorized to view and/or maintain building/parcel information on behalf of the organization.
• Have each person that requires access set up a SAW Account.
• Add the Clean Buildings Service using the first option; I have been given a code by an agency. Then enter the code CBPS21.
• Shared access will be granted when steps 1-3 have been completed by the applicant and verified by Commerce staff.

The Clean Buildings Performance Standard is mandatory for all covered commercial buildings located in the state of Washington. A covered commercial building is a building where the sum of nonresidential, hotel, motel and dormitory floor areas exceeds 50,000 gross square feet, excluding the parking garage area. • Nursing homes and senior care/assisted living facilities are considered institutional occupancies according to Washington state building codes. Institutional occupancies are considered commercial buildings by the standard and shall comply with the Clean Buildings Performance Standard when the building floor area is greater than 50,000 square feet. • Senior Care Community refers to buildings that house and provide care and assistance for elderly residents. Senior Care Community applies to nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) and assisted living facilities and is not intended for retirement communities that offer only independent living. A senior living residential community may include a mixture of residential and institutional occupancies. If more than 50,000 of any single building is categorized by the building codes as institutional occupancy, the building would need to comply with the Standard. The building’s occupancy permit should list the occupancy designation. You may also check with the building department if you cannot find the record on site. If you are still uncertain about the designation of your facility, please contact us by filling out the customer support form.

Yes, the Clean Buildings Performance Standard is more stringent than Seattle’s Building Tune-Up program, although certain elements are similar. The Standard requires: • the building(s) energy use intensity (EUI) meet the target EUI metrics shown in Annex Z, Table 7-2a, or; • investment in all cost-effective energy efficiency measures as determined by the Standard. In addition, all covered commercial buildings must implement an energy management plan as specified by the Standard. To find out more, watch the following informational video on the basics of the Standard; Clean Buildings 101.