Clean Buildings Bulletin
Now Available!
New version of the Clean Buildings Performance Standard Integrated Document
Through a partnership agreement and collaboration with ASHRAE, an integrated version of ASHRAE Standard 100 with Washington Amendments (WAC 194-50) is now available to building owners and professionals at no charge. The February 2024 Version includes covered buildings in Tier 1 and Tier 2. Click on the link below to download the new version.
 POSTPONED: Tier 2 Incentive Program Kick-Off!
The Tier 2 Incentive Program Kick-off originally scheduled for Feb. 22 has been postponed to June 13, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. The team is consolidating the incentive program workshops series so we can give a more focused introduction to all the aspects of this new program. We’ve reduced the number of webinars from six to five and scheduled them closer together to help keep everything fresh in mind. The start of the program remains the same: July 1, 2025.
The revised workshop schedule is below. Those who accepted invites to the earlier dates will receive updated invites soon.
2024 Revised Workshop dates
The Tier 2 incentive program covers buildings 20,000 – 50,000 square feet, including multifamily residential buildings over 20,000 square feet. The program offers an incentive of $0.30 per square foot to owners who benchmark their buildings’ energy, develop an energy management plan, and create an operations and maintenance program. $150 million is earmarked for incentives.
Thanks to everyone who took the short survey in our last announcement, letting us know if you are interested in participating in the Tier 2 program. The survey is still available for those who are interested in participating.
Workgroup Update
The Washington State Clean Buildings Workgroup met on Jan. 31, 2024. They discussed the meeting plans for the year ahead, the sandbox for recommendation development, and the building selection criteria for the second phase of the financial analysis. The Workgroup's feedback will be incorporated into an updated plan for the financial analysis methodology, which will be presented at the next meeting. Visit our webpage for ongoing updates.
HB1390 Rulemaking continues: Decarbonization of District Energy Systems
On Feb. 8, 2024, Commerce hosted the second rulemaking workshop on the decarbonization of district energy systems. The Clean Buildings team presented HB1390 proposed rules to amend sections 3, 4, 6, and 7 and add a new section, Normative Annex W.
In case you missed it and would like to participate in the rulemaking process, please review the workshop materials and submit comments.
Visit our webpage for past workshop material.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG)
Washington is providing $2 million in federal funding to help smaller cities and counties plan for future energy conservation and efficiency projects. Applicant selection criteria align with priorities established in both the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s (BIL) Justice 40 and Washington’s HEAL Act.
These funds are specifically for cities, counties, and tribal governments that are not eligible for direct EECBG allocations from the US Department of Energy. We are funding three types of planning projects:
- Work with consultants to develop plans and strategies for energy efficiency and conservation.
- Pay for energy audits that are conducted on commercial and residential buildings.
- Develop public education programs to build public awareness and energy-saving actions.
Tacoma-Pierce County Clean Buildings Symposium
Learn about WA Clean Buildings compliance from a panel of public and private entities at the Tacoma-Pierce County Clean Buildings Symposium hosted by the City of Tacoma, Pierce County, BOMA (Seattle King County), and MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions.
Join us on Friday, Feb. 23, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Upcoming events
- Clean Buildings Accelerator Programs Across the State
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Snohomish PUD Coffee Chat
Tuesday, March 6, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Enroll (Zoom)
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Puget Sound Energy
Tuesday, March 19, 9 to 11 a.m. Enroll (Zoom)
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Tacoma-Pierce County Clean Buildings Symposium
Friday, Feb. 23, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Register (In-person)
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Fundamentals of Energy Efficient Building Operations
(2024 National Building Operators Certification Course)
March 6 through April 4, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Register (Zoom)
Customer support
To submit questions and request support from the Clean Buildings team, complete the Customer Support Form, and a member of the team will respond in the order it was received.
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