The proposed Building Performance Standards Act of 2026 aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from large buildings in Rhode Island in alignment with the state's climate goals. The legislation directs the Office of Energy Resources (OER) to develop and enforce building performance standards that include specific metrics for energy use and emissions.

To support compliance, the OER will establish a Building Performance Standard Fund (BPS fund) to provide resources and technical assistance to building owners. The bill also creates an Environmental Justice Advisory Board (EJAB) to ensure that the needs of communities impacted by poverty and environmental injustice are considered during the implementation of these standards.

The act introduces a compliance assurance program to ensure adherence to the established building performance standards. The OER will issue necessary forms, guidance, and regulations for this program and may grant extensions or exemptions to property owners under certain circumstances, such as financial hardship. Penalties for non-compliance with the standards will be established, with all collected penalty payments deposited into the BPS fund, ensuring ongoing support for benchmarking and performance improvement initiatives.

The act is designed to take effect upon passage.