Building Performance Standards (BPS)
As part of Oregon’s commitment to reducing energy use and emissions, the 2023 Oregon Legislative Session passed House Bill 3409, introducing new Building Performance Standards (BPS). These standards target large commercial and multifamily buildings, ensuring they improve energy efficiency and meet specific energy use targets. Here's what businesses need to know:
Key Facts:
- Purpose: BPS focuses on reducing energy use and emissions from existing commercial buildings, pushing for more sustainable energy management practices.
- Requirements: Large commercial buildings will need to implement energy efficiency measures based on ASHRAE Standard 100 to meet energy use targets.
- Administration: The program will be managed by the Oregon Department of Energy.
Building Categories:
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Tier 1 Buildings:
- Includes non-residential commercial buildings, hotels, and motels over 35,000 square feet.
- These buildings will need to meet BPS compliance standards.
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Tier 2 Buildings:
- Includes multifamily residential buildings, hospitals, schools, dormitories, and university buildings over 35,000 square feet.
- Non-residential commercial buildings, hotels, and motels between 20,000 and 35,000 square feet are also included.
- These buildings will need to conduct energy benchmarking and reporting.
Compliance Timeline:
- Benchmarking: Required by July 1, 2028.
- Reporting: Begins between June 1, 2028, and June 1, 2030, starting with buildings over 200,000 square feet.
By participating in the BPS program, businesses will contribute to Salem’s climate goals, helping reduce overall energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. For more details, visit the Oregon Department of Energy’s webpage on Building Performance Standards.
Get Involved:
ODOE has opened a public comment period until November 15 to gather input on the proposed rules. You can review the draft rules and submit your comments through the ODOE rulemaking page.
This is your opportunity to provide feedback on the policies that will shape the energy efficiency and emissions standards for commercial and multifamily buildings across Oregon. Engaging in the rulemaking process ensures that the final rules reflect the needs and priorities of businesses and stakeholders.
For more information and access to all relevant materials, visit ODOE's rulemaking page.
