The bill seeks to improve compliance pathways for the clean buildings performance standard in Washington by introducing alternative metrics and extending reporting timelines. 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 reenacting and amending RCW 19.27A.140 and 19.27A.200. Key definitions are clarified, such as "conditional compliance," which allows building owners to show partial compliance through energy management plans and audits. The bill emphasizes reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mandates the Department of Commerce to establish energy performance standards, which will be updated every five years. Significant provisions include the establishment of a state energy performance standard for covered buildings, requiring energy efficiency measures based on audits and life-cycle cost analysis. The bill introduces an administrative penalty for noncompliance, capped at 30 cents per square foot, with the stipulation that penalties incurred from noncompliance may not be passed along to tenants. Additionally, it mandates compliance reporting every five years, with the first report due by July 1, 2025. By July 1, 2029, the department must evaluate benchmarking data for tier 2 buildings and submit recommendations for performance standards by October 1, 2029. The bill also includes provisions for an early adoption incentive program and requires a small business economic impact statement during the rule-making process.

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