The proposed Building Performance Standards Act of 2026 aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from large buildings in Rhode Island, aligning with the state's climate goals. The act mandates the Office of Energy Resources (OER) to develop building performance standards that covered properties must achieve by specified dates, ensuring progress towards net-zero emissions by 2050.

Key provisions include the establishment of a Building Performance Standard Fund (BPS fund) to support building benchmarking and performance improvement programs. The act defines relevant terms, grants the OER authority to evaluate energy use and emissions data, set performance metrics, and establish interim and final building performance standards.

The act emphasizes community engagement, particularly for communities impacted by poverty and environmental injustice, by creating an Environmental Justice Advisory Board (EJAB) to advise the OER on climate change efforts and ensure that investments benefit these communities.

The OER is tasked with establishing a compliance assurance program to maximize owner compliance with the standards, issuing necessary guidance, and potentially granting extensions or exemptions for certain properties under specific criteria. Penalties for non-compliance are outlined, with all collected penalties directed to the BPS fund.

The act will take effect upon passage, and it provides property owners the right to appeal compliance orders in accordance with existing administrative procedures.