The Seattle City Council passed legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from existing buildings, which accounts for 37 percent of the city’s total core emissions, according to a blog post from the City Council. It is estimated that this policy will reduce overall emissions from buildings by 27 percent and reduce Seattle’s total core emissions by 10 percent.
The legislation aims to address the climate crisis by implementing the Building Performance Emissions Performance Standard (BEPS). This standard will establish goals and deadlines for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the city's sizable structures, contributing to the overall effort to combat climate change.
Owners of existing buildings larger than 20,000 square feet will be required under the BEPS to take action to gradually reduce their buildings’ greenhouse gas emissions. These standards are performance-based, meaning owners have the ability to choose what investments they make as long as they meet the reduction goals.
The City of Seattle is also extending support to building owners with limited resources, including nonprofits. Their overarching goal is to achieve net-zero emissions for these buildings by the year 2050.
Jeff Wardon, Jr. is the assistant editor for the facilities market.
