Join us for the Smart Buildings Exchange 2026!

Smart Buildings Center

Energy Efficiency Innovation Center, Tool Library & Data Visualization

  • About
    • Staff
    • Board of Directors
    • Contact
    • Donate
  • Partners
    • Partner Benefits
  • Tool Library
    • Browse Inventory
    • Case Studies
    • Lending Library Policy
    • Customer Agreement
    • Tool Resources
  • Use Our Space
    • Training/Event Space
    • Large Conference Room
  • Training
    • Building Operator Certification
    • Remote Learning Calendar
      • Submit Event
    • Remote Learning Library
    • Qualified Energy Manager Training
  • Resources
    • Clean Buildings Performance Standard Helpdesk
    • Building Efficiency and CLean Operations Network (BEACON) Fellow Project
    • Oregon Building Energy and Performance Fellowship Project (OBEP)
    • K-12 Ventilation & Indoor Air Quality Resources
  • Compliance
    • WA State Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS)
    • City of Seattle Benchmarking Helpdesk
  • Events
    • SBX Conference
  • Blog

What is Energy Benchmarking?

May 16, 2022 By Rebecca

Energy Benchmarking is the process of measuring and tracking a building’s energy use over time. By using certain building
characteristics along with monthly consumption data, owners and occupants can begin to understand how their building is
performing on an operational level compared to similar buildings in their community and around the country. The free web
based tool from U.S. EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager is the widely accepted standard for benchmarking.

Where can I find more information about the Early Adopter Incentive Program?

May 16, 2022 By Rebecca

Please visit theĀ Early Adopter Incentive Program webpageĀ and review theĀ program guidelinesĀ for more information.

How do I apply for the Early Adopter Incentive Program?

May 16, 2022 By Rebecca

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

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

I’m a consultant assisting a building owner with compliance. How can I gain access to the Clean Buildings Portal?

May 16, 2022 By Rebecca

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

  • Have each person that requires access complete theĀ 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 accessĀ set up a SAW Account.
  • Add the Clean Buildings ServiceĀ using the first option;Ā I have been given a code by an agency. Then enter the codeĀ CBPS21.
  • Shared access will be granted when steps 1-3 have been completed by the applicant and verified by Commerce staff.

My building is a covered commercial building. What can I do to get started with compliance?

May 16, 2022 By Rebecca

Here are some steps to get you started:

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

I live in a residential condo and I received a letter. What do I need to do?

May 16, 2022 By Rebecca

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.

Posts pagination

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Next

Help fund our Education Program

DONATE TODAY

Sign up for updates

Join the Smart Buildings Center mailing list for information about events and smart buildings news.

Your email has been added to the Smart Buildings Center mailing list for information about events and smart building news.

News & Articles

Help Shape the Conversation at SBX 2026!

May 25, 2026

OSE: 2026 Building Decarbonization Grants

May 21, 2026

Still Time to Register for Certified Energy Manager (CEM) Training 2026

May 14, 2026

A Look Back at April with Smart Buildings Center

May 12, 2026

BOC Operator of the Year 2026 Nominations Are Now Open!

May 11, 2026

City of Bellevue Washington logo

City of Bellevue Benchmarking

King County logo

King County Benchmarking

Contact Us

Smart Buildings Center
Pacific Tower
1200 12th Ave. S., Suite 110
Seattle, WA 98144

206-538-0832

[email protected]

Smart Buildings Center is a project collaboration with Building Potential

        

Smart Buildings Center · Pacific Tower, 1200 12th Ave. S., Suite 110, Seattle, WA 98144 · 206-538-0832

© 2026 · Northwest Energy Efficiency Council