What is a Building Energy Performance Standard (BEPS)?

A Building Energy Performance Standard (BEPS) sets a minimum threshold for the energy performance of existing buildings. These standards are based on and measured against the building’s energy performance, as demonstrated in its benchmarking data.

Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) were established to achieve the energy and climate goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption over time for buildings 35,000 square feet or larger.

In Maryland, building owners who have buildings that meet this 35,000+ square feet threshold will be required to benchmark energy performance. This information will be reported annually to the state using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. Under BEPS, the state will aggregate individual building performance information per property type to establish a standard for buildings to meet. Buildings that do not meet the standard  for their property type must improve their performance over a compliance period by demonstrating improvements. Compliance is not optional, and penalties could be severe.

Does BEPS apply to my building(s)?

Buildings in the state of Maryland over 35,000 sq. ft. (excluding parking garage area) are subject to Maryland BEPS, except for historic properties, public and non-public elementary and secondary schools, and facilities primarily used for agriculture or manufacturing.

To compile this report building information required will include:

• Property type
• Gross floor area
• Hours of operation
• Occupancy
• Building wide usage for all meters, including tenants
• Non-utility provided fuels such as diesel, propane, of

Data from January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024, will be included in the Initial Benchmarking Report.

The Baseline Benchmarking Report, or the report used to set improvement metrics must be reported to MDE by June 1, 2026, with data from January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025. The Baseline Benchmarking Report will establish the baseline metrics for covered buildings to inform BEPS standards and compliance into the future.

Furthermore, to ensure accuracy and data quality, MDE has mandated that data for the 2025 year and every 5 years thereafter must be verified by a third party.

What is the timeline for Maryland BEPS?