Seattle Building Emission Performance Standard (BEPS)

For the application of healthcare systems, the information hear will focus exclusively on the requirements for non-residential buildings. To understand timeline and requirements for other building types please refer to the published legislation. Links below.

Legislation Status:

Adopted as of Dec 13, 2023

Purpose:

Establish Reporting obligations for building Owners. Establish GHG emission reduction targets on large nonresidential and multifamily buildings in order to reduce GHG emissions from Seattle buildings and commit to net zero by 2050.

Affected Commercial Properties:

Non-Residential Buildings (or parcels - collection of buildings) larger than 20,000 SF.

How to Comply:

Alternative Compliance Payment:

For any Compliance period, building owners may apply for one of the following alternative compliance options

Option 1: The ACP shall be the greater of:

a) $1,250 for covered buildings with a gross floor area of 50,000 square feet or less or $2,500 for covered buildings exceeding 50,000 square feet;

b) Total annual MTCO2e/yr * 5 years * cost of MTCO2e ($/MTCO2e) Wherein the Total annual MTCO2e is the difference between actual emissions and target emissions. IE. Total annual MTCO2e = [compliance GHGI (kgCO2e/SF/yr) – GHGIT22 (kgCO2e/SF/yr)] * gross floor area /1000

Option 2:

The cost of each MTCO2e shall be $190.00 per MTCO2e for the 2031-20352 compliance interval, until October 1, 2028, this value may be changed to reflect inflation or adjustments to the social cost of carbon.

Enforcement:

There are 3 finable violations; fines will be imposed 360 days after the due date for reporting

1. Failure to report

For buildings exceeding 50,000 SF: $15,000

For buildings up to 50,000 SF: $7,500

2. Failure to comply to emission reduction requirements

$3.33/SF for non-residential buildings.

3. Submission of an inaccurate report

For buildings exceeding 50,000 SF: $15,000

For buildings up to 50,000 SF: $7,500

References:

[1] https://seattle.legistar.com/ViewReport.ashx?M=R&N=Text&GID=393&ID=5583747&GUID=96EB0FED-7F5A-4AFD-AEFE-035BA0D07589&Title=Legislation+Text