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- Early Action, Real Results: BPS Progress Across the U.S.
Early Action, Real Results: BPS Progress Across the U.S.
Building Performance Standards (BPS) continue to reshape how communities and building owners across the country approach energy efficiency and emissions reduction. As more jurisdictions finalize requirements and incentive programs expand, organizations are taking meaningful steps to prepare their portfolios, access funding and deliver long-term performance improvements with experienced partners supporting them along the way.
Below is a snapshot of notable national, state and local momentum.
California and Illinois: New Jurisdictions Coming Online
BPS programs continue to expand nationwide, signaling growing commitment to responsible building performance. West Hollywood, California, recently adopted its BPS rules, joining eight other California cities with benchmarking or performance requirements in place.
In the Midwest, Evanston, Illinois, is advancing its rulemaking process for a new BPS program anticipated to be finalized by the end of 2026, providing building owners time to plan and align early.
Colorado: Advancing Large-Building Decarbonization
The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) announced the first round of awardees for its Large Building Decarbonization Showcase Grant Program, selecting several organizations to explore scalable, cost-effective emissions reduction strategies.
Planning awards were granted to projects led by:
- UCHealth
- Lockheed Martin
- Boulder Valley School District
These organizations are embarking on planning efforts beginning in April, with the goal of applying for second-round implementation grants in Fall 2026, offering up to $2 million per project. Their selection reflects strong readiness, technical leadership and a shared commitment to reducing emissions across Colorado’s large-building sector. Read the full announcement from the Colorado Energy Office here.
Washington: Incentives and BEPS Readiness
Grant Activity
Across Western Washington, building owners and public agencies are actively pursuing incentive funding. Recent efforts supported the submission of more than 60 grant applications totaling over $27 million through the Washington Department of Commerce. Award announcements are expected this spring, with contracting anticipated to follow shortly thereafter.
Seattle Building Emissions Performance Standards (BEPS)
With BEPS rules now finalized, many Seattle building owners are entering planning mode: assessing compliance pathways, timelines and capital strategies. Interest continues to grow as organizations seek clear, practical guidance on how to move forward efficiently and cost-effectively.
Regional Highlights
Port of Pasco
The Port of Pasco has launched its first phase of BPS-related work, laying the foundation for a long-term compliance and performance strategy. The effort brings together regional expertise across Washington, Oregon and the Inland Northwest to support the Port through early compliance planning.
Eastside Cities CBPS Support
The Cities of Bellevue, Redmond, and Issaquah are advancing commercial building performance standards (CBPS) through a multi-phase support program.
- Phase One focused on education and outreach for covered building owners.
- Phase Two, now underway, provides funding for benchmarking and energy management planning, supporting compliance efforts for more than 50 buildings.
Shelter Holdings
Shelter Holdings is moving forward with full CBPS compliance for its multifamily and mixed-use portfolio, creating an opportunity to deepen long-term strategy while advancing market knowledge in this building segment.
Oregon: Growing Engagement and Early Compliance
New Work and Market Activity
A large property management firm recently expanded its engagement to complete Energy Management Plans and Operations & Maintenance Plans (EMPOMs) for Tier 1A and Tier 1B buildings in Hood River and Lake Oswego. Discussions are also underway to support benchmarking efforts across more than 30 additional Oregon properties.
Incentives and Program Coordination
Oregon’s incentive landscape continues to evolve in support of the Oregon Building Performance Standards (OBPS):
- The Energy Trust of Oregon (ETO) is exploring how its programs and grants can support OBPS compliance, particularly for early-action projects.
- The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) recently launched the Building Energy Resilience Incentive Program, aimed at helping building owners implement efficiency improvements ahead of compliance deadlines.
- A second round of ODOE’s Early Compliance Action and Planning Program is expected to open in spring 2026, offering additional opportunities for proactive building owners.
Looking Ahead
Across the country, organizations are demonstrating leadership by acting early. They are leveraging incentives, planning strategically and aligning building performance goals with long-term operational and climate outcomes. As BPS programs mature, thoughtful planning and experienced guidance remain key to turning requirements into durable value.
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