 Next Steps on BEPS - Building Energy Efficiency Standards
Recognizing that energy use from the building sector comprises a significant portion of the state's greenhouse gas emissions, the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 requires the Maryland Department of the Environment to develop Building Energy Performance Standards (known as BEPS). The regulations, as proposed on December 15, 2023, cover buildings of 35,000 square feet or more and exempt historic properties, elementary and secondary schools, manufacturing buildings, agricultural buildings, and federal buildings.
The approximately 9,000 buildings covered by the rule will be required to benchmark energy use using EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager starting in 2025. Owners of covered buildings will need to meet interim performance standards between 2030 and 2039, and then final performance standards in 2040 and beyond.
What steps can you take now to prepare?
- Determine if the building owned by your organization is covered under BEPS.
- Familiarize yourself with the free training resources for ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and practice benchmarking your building’s energy use.
- Keep an eye on the developing Maryland Clean Buildings Hub and newsletter, and if possible, provide insight on the development of helpful resources by completing this survey.
- Continue to take advantage of the EmPower Maryland utility rebates, federal tax incentives, and Maryland Energy Administration incentives to jumpstart projects so you can start enjoying the cost savings now.
- Stay apprised of and involved in BEPS outreach and engagement by checking MDE’s BEPS webpage.
All Maryland organizations, whether or not their space is covered by BEPS, can benefit from new financial incentives, advances in building technology and equipment, and an expanded professional capacity in the state among the building trades to improve building performance.
There are countless examples of energy efficiency success stories in the Maryland Green Registry profiles and we hope you will continue to share them!
Laura Armstrong, Maryland Green Registry
Attn: Manufacturers on the Maryland Green Registry
If your company is part of one of the sectors below, it may be eligible for an on-site assessment by an independent contractor addressing energy, water, and waste reduction opportunities. To learn more and to indicate your interest, submit this form by January 26, 2024.
1. Food and Beverage Manufacturing and Processing
2. Chemical Manufacturing, Processing and Formulation
3. Automotive Manufacturing and Maintenance
4. Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing and Maintenance
5. Metal Manufacturing and Fabrication
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Look for the Logo
Congratulations to Maryland Public Television (MPT) for displaying the Maryland Green Registry logo and winning a Starbucks coffee card. To receive the window decal at no cost, submit this Order Form or e-mail Green.Registry@maryland.gov with your name and mailing address.
To win a coffee card while supplies last, snap a photo of the decal in use and email it to us at green.registry@maryland.gov
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Member Spotlight
The Alice Ferguson Foundation is an environmental education organization located in Accokeek, Maryland. The following is just a few of their many efforts to minimize environmental impacts:
- The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation Environmental Center has achieved both the full Living Building Certification as well as LEED Platinum Certification, meeting net-zero energy, water and carbon neutral requirements.
- Solar panels, geothermal wells, a super-insulated building shell, and ground-source heat pumps all work to ensure energy efficiency.
- Graywater from sinks and showers is captured and filtered through soil layers.
- Stormwater runoff is filtered and cleaned by carefully selected native plants in bioswales and six rain gardens. Two cisterns capture rainwater for use in gardens.
Contact us at green.registry@maryland.gov to be in the next Member Spotlight!
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It's 2024! Is your profile due for an update?
Members are asked to update their online member profile at least every three years. If you're overdue or your organization's Maryland Green Registry online profile just doesn't reflect all the good work you're doing, it's time for a refresh! Here are the instructions:
Updating your Maryland Green Registry profile
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