Clean Buildings Bulletin
Exemption application for buildings greater than 90,000 square feet now available
Owners of covered buildings greater than 90,000 square feet, and that meet one of the exemption criteria in RCW 19.27A.210(7)(c), can apply for an exemption now.
Building owners may apply for an exemption beginning three years prior to their scheduled compliance date:
- Tier 1 buildings greater than 220,000 square feet can apply now.
- Tier 1 buildings greater than 90,000 square feet can apply now.
- Tier 1 buildings greater than 50,000 square feet can apply for exemption beginning June 1, 2025.
Within six months of the compliance date, building owners who have received exemption pre-approval must certify that the building still meets the eligibility qualifications for the exemption, and that there have been no material changes to the qualifying conditions.
Visit the Clean Buildings Document Library for specific guidance on each exemption.
How to apply for exemption
The exemption application is on the secure Clean Buildings Portal. Here's how to get access to the portal:
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Access code. Initial access to the Clean Buildings Portal requires an access code found in your building owner notification letter. If you need a copy of the letter, complete a request form (Smartsheet) to verify requestors are authorized to view and/or maintain building/parcel information.
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Shared access. Shared access allows authorized representatives access to the portal to view, update or submit an application on a building owner’s behalf. Our Clean Buildings staff may grant shared access upon request and verification that applicants are authorized to view and/or maintain building/parcel information. Complete a shared access request form (Smartsheet) to request shared access.
Apply now: Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants
Commerce has some additional funds available for after the first round of energy efficiency and conservation block grants (EECBG)
School districts, community-based organizations, and other non-profit organizations are encouraged to partner with local governments on applications.
Important information
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Applications must come from city or county governments that have not received direct federal funding for EECBG previously.
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Owners of Tier 1 buildings serving community functions are especially encouraged to consider this funding.
- These federal funds require no matching funds
- The performance period for this funding is July 1, 2024 - Dec. 30, 2025.
- Funding cannot be used for construction or implementation. Funds can be used for three project types:
- Communities may work with consultants to develop plans and strategies for energy efficiency and conservation including financing, purchasing, and installing energy efficiency, renewable energy, and zero-emission transportation and associated infrastructure.
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Energy audits may be conducted on commercial and residential buildings.
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Public education programs may be developed to build public awareness and energy saving actions.
The block grant funds are available for qualifying projects on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please contact us to request an application, or answer any questions.
Apply now: State Project Improvement Grants
Applications are open for state funding for state-owned facilities, including public higher education, to enhance the energy efficiency of 2023-25 budgeted capital improvement projects.
- Applicants with Tier 1 buildings will be prioritized - those over 50,000 square feet. and required to comply with Washington’s Clean Buildings Performance Standard.)
- Applicants must propose an improvement to a budgeted baseline project that increases energy efficiency and environmental performance.
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted.
Further program information, the Request for Applications and the application are available on the SPI program webpage.
Webinar training: Tier 2 Early Adopter Incentive Workshop
Join us this Thursday, June 13 at 11 a.m. for the first of five Tier 2 Early Adopter Incentive workshops.
This first workshop will:
- Introduce the Tier 2 Early Adopter Incentive Program
- Take a look at eligibility, compliance and timelines
- Review the guidelines and tools currently in development to assist Tier 2 building owners
Tier 2 Incentive workshops will provide a framework for the program and solicit feedback and comments on how to structure the program and the guidance we provide. We will also talk about how energy use in buildings affects communities in Washington state.
The Tier 2 Incentive program affects buildings between 20,000 and 50,000 square feet, and multifamily residential buildings over 20,000 square feet. An incentive of $0.30 per square foot is offered to building owners who benchmark their buildings’ energy use, develop an energy management plan, and create an operations and maintenance program.
Visit the Clean Buildings Early Adopter Incentive Program webpage for more information and to register for upcoming workshops.
Tier 2 Early Adopter Incentive Program Workshop Series: Kickoff and Overview
Thursday, June 13, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Webinar training: Investment Criteria for Tier 1 Buildings
Please join us on June 20 at 11 a.m. for a virtual training on the investment criteria pathway to compliance with the Clean Buildings Performance Standard. The webinar will cover:
- Requirements for meeting the investment criteria pathway
- Energy audit guidelines
- General overview of LCCA requirements
- Phased implementation allowance and conditional compliance
- Measurement and verification.
Clean Buildings Performance Standard: Tier 1 – Investment Criteria
Thursday, June 20, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
More upcoming events
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Washington Clean Buildings Law Webinar for Bellevue and Issaquah Buildings: "Helping Nonprofits Achieve Compliance"
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Puget Sound Energy Clean Buildings Accelerator. Not sure if the Puget Sound Energy Accelerator Program is right for you? Need some questions answered before you’re ready to enroll in the Accelerator? We’ve got you covered with one-hour virtual orientation sessions. Choose a session that works best for you when you register:
 Customer support
For questions and support from the Clean Buildings team, complete the Customer Support Form or contact us by email.
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