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Wednesday, November 8, 2023 | Department of Environmental Protection
The draft Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) Executive Regulations have been published in the November 2023 County Register.
The public is invited to comment on the draft Executive Regulations during the 30-day comment period ending on November 30, 2023. Pursuant to the BEPS legislation, the County Executive must transmit regulations to implement the law to the County Council by December 31, 2023.
Commercial and residential buildings account for half of our county-wide emissions. Efficient electrification of building equipment and appliances will reduce reliance on fossil fuels and advance the County’s progress toward its carbon-neutrality goal by 2035.
The Executive Regulations establish the following important elements of BEPS implementation:
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Set the final energy performance standards and deadlines by building type, which each building must meet by their final performance target date.
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Provide details on the Renewable Energy Allowance to expand renewable energy installations in the County.
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Establish a required format for Building Performance Improvement Plans (BPIPs), an alternative compliance pathway for buildings.
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Allow for extensions based on building eligibility.
For further information or to obtain a copy of this regulation, contact Emily Curley at energy@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-777-7707.
Written comments on this regulation should be sent to energy@montgomerycountymd.gov or:
Emily Curley
Department of Environmental Protection
2425 Reedie Drive, 4th Floor
Wheaton, Maryland 20902
To learn more, please visit the DEP's BEPS website or County Press Release. DEP is also available to present to about the BEPS regulations on request.
The Montgomery County Green Bank's Technical Assistance Program experts are standing by to assist building owners with energy benchmarking, benchmarking data verification, gross floor area measurement and verification, and a variety of energy assessments ranging from energy audits, electrification feasibility studies, and electric vehicle studies. The Green Bank partners with a vendor network of experts and helps to defray the cost of these services. Contact the Green Bank at ta@mcgreenbank.org or submit an application form.
For a great start for your retrofitting and renovation initiatives, they can cover a portion of the cost of ASHRAE Level I, Level II, Level III/ Investment Grade Audits, plus feasibility analyses—and show you how you can ultimately save time and money!
Learn more here.
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The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) has launched its OPEN Energy Program, which provides opportunities to submit applications for innovative energy projects and initiatives that are outside of the agency’s established suite of programs. Many of these projects help generate new opportunities for clean energy technologies, especially those that are nearing commercialization. The OPEN Energy Program’s grants also encourage energy and workforce development, and help recipients become more productive and competitive by implementing greenhouse gas-mitigating measures.
The Maryland Energy Administration estimates that the funding level for the OPEN Energy Program, which is in its third year of operation, will be $3.5 million in fiscal year 2024 (FY24). Full details on the program are included in the FY24 Funding Opportunity Announcement. To be considered for FY24 funding, it is strongly suggested that OPEN Program proposals be submitted before January 31, 2024.
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The DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) is providing the Train Green Sustainable Energy Infrastructure Capacity Building and Pipeline Program (Train Green SEICBP), a new training, credentialing, and certification program for District Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs) and/or CBE-eligible firms. This program is designed to assist CBEs and CBE-eligible firms in acquiring new or enhanced skills and knowledge around energy efficiency and renewable energy design, construction, inspection, and maintenance.
All trainings and certification courses are offered at no cost to participants on a rolling basis. This program is designed to expand the local green workforce and local business opportunities. All training and certification courses are offered at no cost to participants on a first-come, first-served basis, however, registrants that work for District CBE’s and are DC residents will receive priority access to courses. Register here to get started and determine your tier of program eligibility.
DCSEU's first training - Train Green Heat Pump Training Series Session #1 - Inverter Heat Pump Overview and Installation Basics for Contractors - will be held on November 28 and 29 from 10 am to 3 pm.
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Now that you have benchmarked, it's time to be recognized and tell the world your building is energy efficient! If your building has an ENERGY STAR Score of 75 or higher, it is eligible for ENERGY STAR Certification.
The deadline for submitting applications for 2023 ENERGY STAR Certification for U.S. commercial buildings is Friday, December 8, 2023. EPA will award 2023 certification to all successful applications received by that date. Applications received later or needing significant follow up or changes will be eligible for 2024 certification.
For more information on applying, view this step-by-step guide, How to apply for the ENERGY STAR, or watch a recording of a recent webinar.
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Check out DEP’s Green Job Portal for open positions in climate and sustainability jobs! Current opportunities include:
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AHLA Partners with IncentiFind to Identify Savings for Owners, Operators (Green Lodging News)
IRA-driven electrification, other steps could cut building GHG emissions up to 70%: EPA (Utility Dive)
Biden administration launches ‘Earthshot’ effort to slash energy bills (Grist)
Drones spot energy leaks to boost building efficiency (Route Fifty)
Cutting Operational Costs through All-Electric, High Performance Buildings (Facilities Net)
Better Buildings Initiative Posts $18.5 Billion in Energy Savings (Environment + Energy Leader)
IFC Report: Potential Construction, Building Decarbonization Strategies (Environment + Energy Leader)
A Blueprint to Decarbonize Affordable Housing (RMI)
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Nov 16, 1 - 3 pm | DOE Building Energy Codes Program
Energy Code Webinar Series: What You Need to Know About ASHRAE 90.1-2022
Nov 16, 5 - 7 pm | Net-Zero Energy Coalition
The NZE Coalition Map Making Party
Nov 28/Nov 29, 10 am - 3 pm | DC Sustainable Energy Utility
Train Green Heat Pump Series Event #1 Overview of Inverter Heat Pumps
Nov 30, 4 - 6 pm | Montgomery County Green Bank
Economics of Investing in EV Infrastructure and Fleet Electrification
Dec 1, 1 - 2 pm | US Green Building Council
Electrification, Decarbonization and LEED
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