Commerce awards $14 million for public building energy audits
 Buildings audited by county: This map shows the number of audits performed by county across the state. As shown, this funding benefited a wide geographic area.
Counties and number of audits performed
- Spokane, King, and Snohomish counties: 40-52 audits
- Whatcom, Pierce, Yakima, and Clark counties: 24-28 audits
- Kittitas, Thurston, Franklin, and Douglas counties: 6-17 audits
- Adams, Chelan, Grant, Benton, Lewis, Skamania, Skagit, and Clallam counties: 1-4 audits
The Energy Audit Incentive Program, funded by Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, granted $14,014,159.68 to support 299 Tier 1 public building owners statewide. The funds allowed building owners to contract with licensed energy auditing companies to perform ASHRAE Level 1, 2 or targeted Level 2 energy audits.
These energy audits analyzed HVAC systems, water systems, building envelopes, and more to identify energy-saving opportunities that reduce energy consumption and support compliance with the Clean Buildings Performance Standard. Program highlights:
- Buildings in 19 counties received this funding.
- 52 buildings were audited in Spokane County.
- 36% of Tier 1 buildings in Kittitas County were audited.
- 218 public schools were audited.
- More than 32 million square feet of Tier 1 building space was audited.
Grantees valued the Commerce program's support, which helped them identify energy savings that cut costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Here's what some grantees had to say:
"One of the challenges that many rural school districts in Washington face is that many of our buildings have not been updated since they were originally built; in our case our elementary was completed in 1954. The Department of Commerce Energy Audit Program allows us to determine just what levels of inefficiencies we have so that we can create a plan to address those needs." − Pete Peterson, Kiona-Benton City School District
"The Department of Commerce (DOC) Energy Audit Incentive Program for Public Buildings grant enabled Yakima Valley College (YVC), working with an energy audit company, to investigate equipment and operations of three facilities. Through the audit process, YVC has identified measures and opportunities that are essential for energy conservation and cost effectiveness at the college." − Johnny Woods Jr., Yakima Valley College
Depending on how you choose to comply with the Clean Building Performance Standard, you may need an energy audit. This grant was designed to couple with other funding opportunities, such as the Tier 1 Early Adopter Incentive Program.
If you missed this opportunity, more funding was appropriated to support energy audits for public buildings, and a solicitation for applications will be posted in the coming months. Check out the program webpage for the most up-to-date information about how to apply.
Meet the BEACON fellows: Whatcom County
The Building Efficiency and Clean Operations Network (BEACON) Project officially launched in June 2025, with 10 fellows across the state providing free technical assistance to help building owners comply with the Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS).
We'll feature BEACON fellows from different counties for the next few weeks. If you're interested in receiving assistance from a BEACON fellow, please complete the BEACON Project Interest Form.
Whatcom County: Adeline Coggins
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Where is your host site?
I am working with the City of Bellingham and the Whatcom County community.
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Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m a recent graduate from Western Washington University, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business and Sustainability along with a Climate Leadership Certificate. I’m originally from Tacoma, where I grew up with a strong appreciation for nature and the environment. I’ve lived in Washington my whole life and am passionate about building more sustainable and resilient communities.
Why did you apply to be a BEACON fellow?
I applied to be a BEACON fellow because I’m interested in the energy sector and want to be part of the transition to clean, equitable energy solutions. I’m especially excited about the opportunity to work directly with my community and support local efforts that address climate and energy challenges. This fellowship aligns with my passion for sustainability and my desire to make a tangible impact at the local level.
Adeline provides Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS) support to Tier 1 and Tier 2 buildings in Whatcom County. To receive services, please complete the BEACON Project Interest Form. You can also email Adeline at AdelineCoggins@climatecorps.org.
HB1543 final rulemaking workshop
Reminder: Submit your comments on the CBPS proposed rules
Over the past two months, Commerce has held four HB1543 rulemaking workshops focused on adding rules for granting extensions, introducing new exemption categories, and establishing alternative compliance pathways. These workshops serve as an important platform for stakeholders and the public to directly engage with us and share their valuable insights on the proposed rules. We genuinely value your feedback and encourage active participation throughout the rulemaking process.
On Wednesday, September 3, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., we'll host our final rulemaking workshop. During the workshop, we will provide a comprehensive review of all the proposed rules discussed in previous workshops, including new information that we were unable to present earlier. Please be sure to register for this event.
If you couldn't attend any of the workshops, we encourage you to review the materials available in our CBPS rulemaking section. You can submit written comment on the draft rules using the comment form.
For additional questions or support, please contact us through our Clean Buildings Program Customer Support Form or email us at Buildings@commerce.wa.gov.
Register for the next QEM training
Commerce and the Smart Building Center are offering free Qualified Energy Manager Certification courses in September.
The Qualified Energy Management (QEM) course is designed to equip building professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to comply with the Tier 2 requirements of the Washington State's Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS).
This comprehensive training is ideal for building operators, energy managers and facility staff. Visit the Qualified Energy Management training webpage for more information.
Washington state wants to help you build faster. Submit the intake form now.
In light of recent federal policy changes, Commerce is ready with resources to help you move fast. We’re actively seeking clean energy projects in progress that could lose their tax credits. Let us know today how we can help remove barriers to construction including permitting challenges, regulatory hurdles, and tax credit advice.
Commerce’s clean energy tax assistance program (CETCAP) has helped more than 150 organizations statewide secure hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax credits by providing legal and filing assistance for hundreds of projects.
Through our enhanced CETCAP program, we’re actively seeking:
- Clean energy projects in progress that could lose their tax credits.
- Supporting projects to meet the new federal deadlines.
- Your organization may be eligible to receive free support with:
- Navigating federal tax credit requirements and deadlines.
- Understanding project eligibility and domestic content requirements.
- Connecting with funding and technical resources to qualify for safe harbor rules.
- Filing tax credits correctly and on time.
- Providing technical assistance to expedite high-priority project timelines.
Share your project today.
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