BEPS Revised Guidebook Finalized: New Flexible Options Available to Building Owners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

August 11, 2026

CONTACT: Taney Simon (DOEE) - 202-308-1143; [email protected]

BEPS Revised Guidebook Finalized: New Flexible Options Available to Building Owners

Guidebook update provides new clarity

Today, the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) published a revised version of the Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) Compliance and Enforcement Guidebook for Compliance Cycle 1 (Guidebook). The revised Guidebook, version 1.2, aims to provide more clarity and flexibility to support building owners.

Historically, these standards have driven key energy efficiency investments and operational improvements to lower electricity costs, improve occupant comfort, and ensure more efficient temperature regulation and energy practices.

BEPS are a key element of the District's ambitious climate goal of reducing greenhouse gas and energy consumption by 50% by 2032. Buildings in DC are responsible for nearly 70% of greenhouse gas emissions citywide; therefore, it is important that DC Government focus specifically on this portfolio by sharing the necessary information to ensure compliance.

Officially launched on January 1, 2021, the BEPS program, administered by DOEE, establishes a minimum threshold for buildings' energy efficiency by property type. Buildings must meet these standards by the end of the 5 year Compliance Cycle. If those thresholds are not met, building owners will owe a compliance payment for the amount they fall short, with consideration for exemptions and financial relief where applicable. The updated Guidebook serves as a plain text explanation of the laws and regulations for implementing the BEPS program.

While DOEE data indicates that most buildings are on track to meet their performance targets, the Department acknowledges that some owners may face steeper barriers to compliance than others and may wish to seek accommodation. The revised Guidebook clarifies the available relief for building owners facing financial hardship, adds options for remedying non-compliance, and details how the rules apply to non-income producing buildings.

"From the outset of the BEPS program, DOEE's Building Performance team has committed to meaningful engagement with the private sector to navigate any obstacles and co-develop practical solutions," said DOEE Director Richard Jackson. "This sustained partnership has led to impressive success within the program, as DOEE's latest analysis shows that buildings subject to the BEPS requirements have achieved a 13% reduction in energy consumption from 2019 to 2024. These Guidebook updates seek to build on that success by offering greater compliance flexibility while progressing toward DC's ambitious goals."

DOEE also plans to release a framework for "Good Faith Effort (GFE)" in late 2026, outlining a mechanism for potential compliance payment reductions due to outlying circumstances.

BEPS Cycle One applies to privately owned buildings over 50,000 square feet and District-owned buildings over 10,000 square feet. The cycle will end on December 31, 2026, with the final calendar year of energy-use data due to DOEE by May 2027. DOEE appreciates the engagement of all stakeholders who provided comments during the public review period and looks forward to continuing engagement on the BEPS program. The final version of the Guidebook is available on the Department's website at https://dc.beam-portal.org/helpdesk/kb/BEPS_Guidebook/.

For questions regarding the Guidebook or the BEPS Program, please contact the Building Performance Division at [email protected].