2025 Building Decarbonization Grants Application Now Open!
OSE is taking applications and may award up to about $4 million in grants to help affordable housing providers, nonprofits, and buildings serving frontline communities reduce emissions from their buildings. Applications are due by July 10 and free technical assistance is available to help owners apply. Learn more about the grants on OSE’s Greenspace Blog or jump right to the application details.
Interested applicants are also welcome to attend an optional, virtual information session to learn more about the grant, discuss a project idea, and ask questions. Register below:
SEATTLE BEPS UPDATES
BEPS Rulemaking Webinars Announced
OSE is hosting two different webinars on May 8 and May 20 to solicit feedback from stakeholders to inform its drafting of the BEPS Director’s Rule.
The Rule will clarify details like reporting procedures, documentation, exemption and extension timelines, and more.
Register for the webinars below:
Webinar #1: May 8 from 12 p.m.–2 p.m.
Webinar #2: May 22 from 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
OSE will post full webinar agendas in early May, but expects to cover:
-
Webinar #1: Benchmarking Verification, emissions reporting & documentation requirements, documentation for exemptions and extensions, and more.
-
Webinar #2: Reporting end use deductions, building portfolio & campus reports, alternative compliance options, and more.
Please attend both webinars to receive all information, as the content will differ.
Want to get up to speed on BEPS? Watch a brief recorded presentation that covers the basics of BEPS.
Featured BEPS FAQ
For the first compliance interval (2031–2035) only, building owners may make an Alternative Compliance Payment (ACP). The ACP is based on the total metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) of the compliance GHGI that exceeds the GHGI target multiplied by the social cost of carbon (currently set in the ordinance at $190 per MT) for the five years of the compliance interval.
The ACP is not a chance to opt-out of emissions reductions, but instead a short-term deferral option for owners that need flexibility while they plan for decarbonization. Buildings that fail to meet GHGI targets or comply with an approved alternative compliance pathway in 2036–2040 and beyond will be assessed a penalty.
EDUCATION AND SUPPORT
Introducing the Seattle Building Emissions Navigator!
Since 2022, dozens of building owners have participated in Seattle Clean Buildings Accelerator coaching cohorts, like the one detailed below. As BEPS deadlines approach, the City is furthering its commitment to supporting building owners by launching the Building Emissions Navigator. The Navigator will continue to offer the former Accelerator’s coaching cohorts and online, self-paced educational content while also rolling out more services and support to help you bring your building into compliance. Learn more about the Navigator on OSE’s website.
2025 Light Coaching Cohorts—Sign Up Now!
Need help getting ready for BEPS? Our new Multifamily-only, small-group virtual coaching (offered over five months) starts on April 29th. And the new In-Person Fast-Track Cohort for both nonresidential and multifamily buildings will take place on May 6 and May 7. All Seattle building owners are welcome, and we especially encourage BIPOC, nonprofits, and owners of buildings that serve or are in frontline communities to join this free training. Spaces are limited, and those owners will be prioritized. Additional cohorts will launch later in 2025.
To join either coaching cohort, watch the required recorded information session and then email cleanbuildings@seattle.gov to get enrolled. The Navigator also offers enhanced online content if you’d prefer to learn at your own pace.
BUILDING TUNE-UPS UPDATES
Cohort 2 Building Owners Achieve 86% Compliance
Thanks to the hard work of Building Tune-Up Specialists, Cohort 2 buildings (properties with 100,000–199,999 Square Feet of nonresidential space) achieved an outstanding 86% compliance rate following the end of the enforcement grace period. The majority of the remaining 37 non-compliant Cohort 2 building owners are on track to obtain compliance having completed tune-up assessments. OSE mailed warning letters alerting these owners they have until Oct. 1, 2025 to submit a complete Tune-Up Summary Report or they risk receiving a Notice of Violation with a $10,000 fine.
Tune-Up Reporting Portal Improvements
This month, Seattle IT deployed several enhancements to the Building Tune-Ups module in the Seattle Services Portal. These improvements increase accessibility and make all workflows more intuitive and less prone to error. In particular, the process for associating contacts to tune-up records was greatly improved. Help articles providing step-by-step instructions for submitting tune-up summary reports and other records now reflect the new changes. If you experience any issues with the portal changes, please contact our help desk at buildingtuneups@seattle.gov.
EVENTS
Unlock HVAC Energy Savings and Save Money by Integrating Lighting Controls (Seattle City Light’s Lighting Design Lab)
May 6, 10-11a.m
Many commercial buildings waste energy by conditioning unoccupied spaces, because their HVAC systems lack occupancy sensors. A simple lighting retrofit can solve this problem, when the new networked lighting control (NLC) system provides occupancy data to the BMS. The DesignLights Consortium’s free Integration Toolkit can help you cut energy costs and stay ahead of Building Emissions Performance Standards by conditioning spaces only when needed. Sign up for the Lighting Design Lab’s webinar here.
May 6–7: Building Emissions Navigator In-Person Group Training (OSE)
The in-person group training is an opportunity to receive tailored, one-on-one support in a small group setting. You’ll have access to Energy and Climate Coaches and Engineers who can provide hands-on technical support for your building(s). You’ll walk away with a comprehensive understanding of the Seattle Building Emissions Performance Standard, Washington Clean Building Performance Standard, and clear next steps for your path to compliance. Learn more about the training here.
May 8, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.: Clean Buildings 101 (WA Commerce)
Whether you are new to the Washington Clean Buildings Standard (WA CBPS) or would like a refresher, the Clean Buildings 101 webinar is a great opportunity begin.
The Washington Department of Commerce will provide a high-level overview of the CBPS including what types of buildings are impacted, how to get started with compliance and the support & funding opportunities that are available. Sign up for the webinar here.
May 8, 12p.m.–2 p.m.: BEPS Rulemaking Webinar #1 (OSE)
OSE’s first BEPS Rulemaking Webinar will solicit feedback from stakeholders and cover Benchmarking Verification, emissions reporting & documentation requirements, documentation for exemptions and extensions, and more. Sign up for the webinar here.
May 22, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.: BEPS Rulemaking Webinar #2 (OSE)
OSE’s second BEPS Rulemaking Webinar will solicit feedback from stakeholders and cover reporting end-use deductions, building portfolio & campus reports, alternative compliance options, and more. Sign up for the webinar here.
June 2-6: Seattle 2030 District: 2025 Energy Week (Seattle 2030 District)
Join Seattle 2030 District and your colleagues for a jam-packed week full of energy education opportunities. Learn about City and State building performance standards, utility incentives, tour the UW Central Plant and more! OSE’s team will present about BEPS technical support on June 4! Learn more about Energy Week on Seattle 2030 District’s website.
|
