Commercial and residential buildings are some of the top contributors to poor air quality and climate pollution in the State. Burning fossil fuels for heat and hot water are two of the most common sources of direct emissions from buildings.
Maryland is establishing Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) as required under the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022. The goal is for covered buildings to achieve zero net direct greenhouse gas emissions and energy use intensity standards by 2040. Property owners and builders can take action now to meet this target.
Efficient net-zero direct emissions buildings improve comfort, resilience and reliability, and provide savings on energy costs. Investments in achieving these standards are investments in buildings that will pay dividends to occupants and building owners for decades to come. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), and other state agencies are working together to help buildings realize the benefits of efficient electrification.
Make Low Cost Energy Efficiency Investments
As building owners are assessing the performance of their building(s) compared to the performance standards, these "no regrets" money-saving measures can be installed at any time.
Conduct an energy audit, usually available from your local utility company ("annual physical for your building")
Install LED lighting ("more lighting for less energy")
Purchase ENERGY STAR certified electric equipment ("go on a Watt diet")
Make weatherization improvements to the building envelope including air sealing and insulation ("a sweater for your building")
Retro-commission building systems ("bring your building to the mechanic for a systems "tune-up")
Install control systems for plug loads, lighting, and HVAC equipment ("turn off the lights when you leave the room meets the 21st Century")
Time for an Upgrade?
If your equipment is getting old, now is the time to go all-electric and eliminate your direct emissions.
Start preparing for the switch by checking if your electrical system can handle the increased load and looking at efficient electric equipment replacement options. The best time to switch is right before your old equipment completely breaks down. Sometimes, it might even save money to switch to electric earlier.
Building owners should discuss these options with their building engineers and contractors. Wherever possible, building owners should pursue efficient electrification options, mainly heat pumps, which use 2-3 times less energy than their electric resistance counterparts. Common options for efficient electrification include:
Heat pumps for space heating and cooling
Heat pumps or distributed electric point-of-use for water heating
Heat pump laundry systems
Induction cooking
We Can Help.
Do you have questions about building performance standards? Email our Building Decarbonization Team at BEPS.MDE@maryland.gov or call (410) 537-3183. Other resources are available to help guide you:
