The bill aims to enhance compliance pathways for the clean buildings performance standard in Washington State by introducing alternative metrics and extending reporting deadlines. It amends several sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), including RCW 19.27A.170, 19.27A.210, 19.27A.220, and 19.27A.250, while also reenacting and amending RCW 19.27A.140 and 19.27A.200. Key provisions include the establishment of energy use intensity targets for covered buildings, the introduction of conditional compliance methods, and the potential for the Department of Commerce to adopt subsequent versions of energy standards. The bill emphasizes reducing greenhouse gas emissions and encourages energy efficiency measures, while also providing definitions for terms like "conditional compliance" and outlining the department's responsibilities for updating standards every five years.

Additionally, the bill establishes a state energy performance standard requiring building owners to implement energy efficiency measures based on an investment-grade energy audit and life-cycle cost analysis. It includes provisions for exemptions for historic buildings, alternative compliance pathways for state campus district energy systems, and mandates compliance reporting every five years. The bill outlines penalties for noncompliance, which cannot exceed $5,000 plus a daily amount based on the building's floor area, and specifies that these penalties cannot be passed on to tenants. It also introduces an early adoption incentive program, requires energy consumption verification, and mandates the department to report on the incentive program's results and recommendations every two years. Furthermore, it sets specific requirements for tier 2 covered buildings and emphasizes customer support for building owners managing under-resourced properties.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 19.27A.170, 19.27A.210, 19.27A.220, 19.27A.250
Substitute Bill: 19.27A.170, 19.27A.210, 19.27A.220, 19.27A.250
Bill as Passed Legislature: 19.27A.170, 19.27A.210, 19.27A.220, 19.27A.250
Session Law: 19.27A.170, 19.27A.210, 19.27A.220, 19.27A.250