DC and Maryland's Building Energy Performance Standards are tightening. We help building owners understand their obligations, develop compliance strategies, and implement the upgrades needed to meet targets — on time and within budget.
Understand the Law
BEPS are regulations that require existing commercial buildings to meet energy performance targets — measured in Energy Use Intensity (EUI) or ENERGY STAR score — by specific deadlines. They apply to most large commercial, multifamily, and institutional buildings in DC and increasingly across Maryland.
Unlike building codes that apply to new construction, BEPS apply retroactively to existing buildings. This means owners must benchmark current energy use, identify where they fall short, and implement upgrades to comply — or face escalating fines.
Total energy consumed per square foot per year (kBtu/sq ft). Lower is better. This is how buildings are measured.
1-100 rating compared to similar buildings. Many BEPS use this as the compliance metric. Buildings must reach a minimum score.
Annual reporting of energy consumption through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. Required before BEPS compliance.
Multi-year periods (typically 5 years) within which buildings must meet targets. Targets tighten each cycle.
Regulatory Timeline
Requirements are already in effect and tightening with each cycle.
Our BEPS Services
From benchmarking to implementation, we handle the entire compliance journey.
Who We Serve
Why Sunesco
Most energy contractors know equipment. We know regulations. Our team combines Certified Energy Auditor credentials, LEED Green Associate expertise, and BPI building science certification with deep understanding of DC and Maryland BEPS frameworks.
We don't just recommend upgrades — we build compliance strategies that account for regulatory timelines, available incentive programs, capital planning cycles, and the specific performance metrics your building must hit.
AEE-certified for ASHRAE-level commercial energy audits
GBCI credential for sustainable building strategies
Building science diagnostics and performance testing
Advanced training in energy systems and decarbonization
Licensed for work involving lead-based materials in older buildings
Questions
In DC, BEPS applies to most buildings 10,000+ sq ft. In Montgomery County, thresholds start at 25,000+ sq ft. Specific exemptions exist for certain building types. Contact us for a quick applicability check — we can tell you in one call whether your building is covered.
Penalties vary by jurisdiction but can include daily fines, public disclosure of non-compliance, and restrictions on building permits or occupancy certificates. DC penalties can reach $10+ per sq ft annually for large non-compliant buildings. The cost of compliance is almost always less than the cost of fines.
Costs range widely based on building size, current performance, and required improvements. Low-cost operational changes can often achieve 10-15% savings. Capital upgrades (lighting, HVAC, envelope) typically run $2-15/sq ft but pay back in 3-7 years through energy savings — often faster with available incentives.
Yes. DC offers several alternative pathways including performance improvement plans, prescriptive measures, and financial hardship exemptions. We help you evaluate which pathway is most advantageous for your building's specific situation and investment timeline.
Absolutely — and we recommend it. Our compliance strategies are designed around your capital planning cycle. We identify quick wins for immediate compliance and plan larger capital projects for future cycles, spreading investment over time while maintaining compliance at each stage.
Early action gives you the most options and lowest costs. Let's assess where your building stands and build a compliance strategy that works for your budget.