Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) are rolling out across the Mid-Atlantic—are your buildings in compliance? Lorax is here to help you navigate requirements, meet deadlines, and avoid penalties. We specialize in benchmarking, compliance strategy, audits, and reporting support.
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Here’s what you need to know in for the Mid-Atlantic markets:
Maryland BEPS (Statewide) Climate Solutions Now Act
Owners of commercial buildings over 35,000 square feet must meet energy performance targets starting in 2030—but reporting begins before then. Baseline performance standards were published by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) in early 2025. Now is the time to start collecting energy data and preparing your compliance plan.
Who’s covered: Commercial, industrial, and multifamily buildings ≥ 35,000 ft².
Reporting due:
- September 1, 2025 for 2024 data (one‑time extension)
- June 1 annually thereafter
Third‑party verification:
- Required every five years, starting with verification of 2025 data, due by June 1, 2026.
- Eligible verifiers: PE, licensed architect, CEM, or other accredited Building Energy Assessment Professional recognized by MDE. Lorax is an MDE eligible verifier.
Performance target timeline:
- Interim BEPS goals in 2030/2035, final net‑zero direct emissions by 2040
Montgomery County BEPS
Montgomery County has one of the most aggressive BEPS programs in the country. Covered buildings must already be reporting annual benchmarking data, and first BEPS cycle targets must be met by 2031. Non-compliance could result in fines of up to $500 per day or more depending on the judge.
Who’s covered: Buildings ≥ 25,000 ft², coordinated with state BEPS .
Reporting due:
- Reporting began in waves starting with the largest buildings. All building groups were required to report by June 1, 2024
- June 1 annually after
Verification:
- 1st year data verification (calendar 2024) required, then every 3 years
- Who can verify? DEP accepts a wide list, including: CEM, PE, licensed architect, BEAP, CMVP, LEED AP O+M, among other recognized credentials .
Flexibility:
- Extensions (up to 30 days) available for data/verification delays; DEP-aligned with state rules .
Washington, DC BEPS
DC’s BEPS program is already in effect. Buildings that didn’t meet the performance standard in 2021 are now in a 5-year compliance cycle. The next performance cycle starts in 2027, so owners should be evaluating upgrades now. Lorax can assist with custom action plans and pathway selection.
Who’s covered:
- ≧ 50,000 ft² privately-owned – in BEPS-1 cycle through 2026.
- 25,000–49,999 ft² enters BEPS-2 in 2027.
- 10,000–24,999 ft² starts in 2026.
Benchmarking deadlines:
- April 1 (or updated May 1 per 2024 amendment) annually.
Third-party verification:
- Required for data 2023 and 2026, with first due by July 1, 2024, then verification synced with BEPS cycles: every 3 years for benchmarking, and every 6 years for BEPS performance cycles.
- Verifier rules: Must be independent (not owner or benchmarking provider) and credentialed. See DOEE-approved list via Building Innovation Hub.
BEPS cycles:
- Cycle 1 runs 2021–2026; compliance via performance, prescriptive, or alternative pathways.
- Cycle 2 begins January 1, 2027, covers smaller buildings too.
Philadelphia BEPS – Coming Soon
The second cycle of Philadelphia’s BEPS program requires reporting beginning in 2026. Large buildings will need to meet energy performance targets aligned with the city’s carbon neutrality goals. Getting ahead now with benchmarking and planning will set your team up for success.
Who’s covered: Non-residential buildings ≥ 50,000 ft² .
Deadlines (by building size):
|
Size (ft²) |
Tun‑Up Due Date |
|
> 200,000 |
Sept 30, 2026 |
|
100,000–200,000 |
Sept 30, 2027 |
|
70,000–100,000 |
Sept 30, 2028 |
|
50,000–70,000 |
Sept 30, 2029 |
Tune-up specialists:
- Must be certified (e.g., PE or CEM with 7+ years experience) and approved by the city.
Verification/reporting:
- Final tune-up report must be signed off by a certified specialist and submitted per deadlines.
- An alternative compliance path is available for high-performance properties (ENERGY STAR, LEED)
How Lorax Can Help
We offer full-service support to help building owners and managers:
✔ Benchmark in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
✔ Develop BEPS Compliance Plans
✔ Conduct Energy Audits and Modeling
✔ Monitor Progress & Report to Jurisdictions
Have questions? Unsure where your buildings stand?
Let’s talk. The Lorax team is here to help you stay compliant and stay ahead.