Buildings that are “covered” by the regulation and need to comply are 35,000 square feet and larger (excluding the parking garage area). Historic buildings, public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools, manufacturing buildings, agricultural buildings, and federal buildings can all apply to be exempted via the
BEPS Portal. Owners of covered buildings under the regulation are required to annually report their energy use and emissions.
In an effort to assist building owners with their transition to the new BEPS requirement, the Department intends to treat all initial benchmarking reports submitted by
September 1, 2025, as timely.
What Now?
If you believe your building is covered, click on the yellow image at the top of this page that says “BEPS Portal and Next Steps” or click
here. This will bring you to a step-by-step guide including instructions on how to benchmark, apply for exemption, and view the list of covered buildings.
General Overview, Tips, and Resources
Maryland is implementing Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) as required under the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022. The goal is for covered buildings to efficiently achieve net-zero direct greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
Buildings have traditionally used fossil fuels, like natural gas, for heating, hot water, and cooking. Burning these fossil fuels emits greenhouse gases and other pollution into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change and poor air quality in Maryland.
Maryland has committed to reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution in the State. Building Energy Performance Standards are a key part of achieving this commitment.
Efficient net-zero direct emissions buildings improve comfort, resilience, and reliability, and provide savings on energy costs compared to old, inefficient buildings. 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.
Manage What You Measure
“The first step to saving energy at your building is to benchmark — that is, to measure and compare your building’s energy to similar buildings, past consumption, or a reference performance level.
Benchmarking turns the information on your utility bill into knowledge you can act on.”
- EPA ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
Go to the
BEPS Portal to learn more about benchmarking.
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
Do You Have Questions? We Can Help.
- Visit the
BEPS Portal to find out more about meeting the BEPS requirements.
-
Email our Building Decarbonization Team at
BEPS.MDE@maryland.gov.
-
Are you a visual learner? View the
BEPS video playlist.
-
Sign up
here for a variety of BEPS email lists - get the latest updates as well as access links to informational sessions and working group webinars.
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The Maryland Energy Administration will be launching the Clean Buildings Hub, a central place for relevant information and resources, such as decarbonization incentives. Sign up here to receive updates on its development.
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