DC Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS): What Building Owners Need to Know

Washington, DC’s Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) are reshaping how large buildings manage energy, plan capital improvements, and reduce carbon emissions. Established under the Clean Energy DC Omnibus Amendment Act, DC’s BEPS requires covered buildings to meet specific energy performance targets every five years, with the city aiming for net‑zero carbon by 2045.

If you own or manage property in the district, here’s what you need to know.

What Is DC BEPS?

DC BEPS goes beyond annual energy benchmarking by setting  mandatory energy performance standards based on building type and size, measured by Energy Use Intensity (EUI) or ENERGY STAR scores. Buildings that don’t meet their targets must take corrective action—or face penalties.

Key facts at a glance

• Size threshold: ≥ 10,000 sq ft

• First compliance cycle: 2026–2030

• Phase 1 buildings: ~3,900

• Long‑term goal: Net‑zero carbon by 2045

Which Buildings Are Covered?

Phase 1 (50,000+ sq ft)

• Office buildings

• Hotels and lodging

• Large multifamily residential properties

Phase 2 (25,000–49,999 sq ft)

• First compliance cycle with performance limits: 2031–2035

Phase 2 (10,000–24,999 sq ft)

• Annual benchmarking begins in 2026

Some properties, such as houses of worship, single‑family homes, and certain affordable housing, may qualify for exemptions or extended timelines.

How Building Owners Can Comply

Building owners have three compliance pathways under DC BEPS:

1. Meet the Energy Performance Standard (Preferred)

   Reduce energy use through efficiency upgrades and operational improvements to meet required EUI or ENERGY STAR targets by the end of the compliance cycle.

   Best for: Buildings already undergoing energy upgrades.

2. Submit a Compliance Action Plan (CAP)

   If targets can’t be met on time, owners may submit a DOEE‑approved plan outlining energy projects and timelines to achieve compliance.

   Best for: Buildings with upcoming capital projects.

3. Pay an Alternative Compliance Payment (ACP)

   Owners may pay a fee based on excess energy use above the target. This option is allowed—but becomes more expensive as standards tighten.

   Best for: Short‑term relief only, not a long‑term strategy.

Key Deadlines to Know

• April 1 (every year): ENERGY STAR benchmarking due

• 2026: Phase 1 compliance cycle begins

• December 31, 2030: Phase 1 Cycle 1 compliance deadline

• 2045: Citywide net‑zero carbon target

Missing deadlines or failing to comply can result in daily fines and escalating penalties.

How CodeGreen Helps DC Building Owners

DC BEPS compliance isn’t a one‑time task—it’s a long‑term performance strategy. CodeGreen helps building owners stay compliant by providing:

• ENERGY STAR benchmarking and reporting

• BEPS screening  and exemption analysis

• Energy audits and EUI gap assessments

• Compliance pathway selection and Compliance Action Plan (CAP) development

• Long‑term energy efficiency and decarbonization support and commissioning [AJ2]

With experience supporting buildings across DC, CodeGreen helps owners improve building performance, reduce energy use and develop long-term compliance strategies  as standards continue to tighten.

Plan Ahead for DC BEPS

Whether you’re preparing for the 2026–2030 compliance cycle or benchmarking a property for the first time, early action makes compliance simpler—and more cost‑effective.

Need help navigating DC BEPS?

CodeGreen partners with building owners to turn complex regulations into clear, actionable  compliance strategies.