Proposed legislation would require benchmarking for buildings 20,000 square feet or greater.
SB 5722, sponsored by Sens. Joe Nguyen (D–White Center), Marko Liias (D–Lynnwood), Liz Lovelett (D–Anacortes), Jamie Pedersen (D–Edmonds),
Rebecca Saldaña (D–Seattle) and Derek Stanford (D–Bothell), requires the Department of Commerce (Commerce) by December 1, 2023, to adopt state energy management and benchmarking requirements for tier 2 covered buildings (multifamily, residential,
hotel, and motels greater than 20,000 square feet). Additionally, Commerce must provide a customer support, technical assistance, and education program to building owners. Lastly, the bill outlines a number of phased-in requirements including:
- Notifying tier 2 building owners of adopted requirements by July 1, 2025;
- Requiring tier 2 covered building owners to submit reports demonstrating compliance by July 1, 2027;
- Every five years after, owners must submit a report detailing compliance, including energy management plans, operations and maintenance plans, and energy use analysis;
- By July 1, 2029, Commerce must evaluate benchmarking data;
- By October 1, 2029, Commerce must submit a report to the Legislature and Governor outlining recommendations;
- By December 31, 2030, Commerce must adopt rules for performance standards