Montgomery County Building Energy Performance Standards Update

Montgomery County is taking big steps to reduce energy use and carbon emissions from buildings. On February 26, the Montgomery County Council approved new Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) regulations, an important part of the County’s Climate Action Plan.

What Are the Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS)?

The new regulations, known as Executive Regulation 17-23AM, set energy efficiency requirements for buildings. These standards apply to large commercial and multifamily buildings (over 25,000 square feet) and will impact more than 250 million square feet of real estate in the County. The goal is simple: reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, while giving building owners a clear and flexible path to meet these goals.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich expressed his enthusiasm about the BEPS regulations, stating, “Passing these regulations is a major step forward in our Climate Action Plan. We are striking the right balance—reducing carbon pollution and supporting jobs, while giving building owners a clear, flexible, and fair path to compliance.”

A Collaborative Effort for a Sustainable Future

The regulations offer building owners a credit for onsite renewable energy and provide a framework for performance improvement plans. The process has been highly collaborative, with extensive input from stakeholders over the past year. The final regulations reflect thoughtful adjustments that provide more flexibility for owners, ensuring significant reductions in emissions without disrupting operations.

Jon Monger, the Director of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), praised the regulations, calling them a historic milestone in the County’s commitment to sustainability. He noted that the new program would drive substantial emissions reductions while providing flexibility for property owners, contributing to a resilient, energy-efficient future.

Looking Ahead: The Montgomery County Energy Summit

To learn more about the new Building Energy Performance Standards, you can visit the DEP’s dedicated webpage. Additionally, the upcoming Montgomery County Energy Summit, set for April 8-9, 2025, will provide an excellent opportunity for building owners, property managers, and industry leaders to engage and collaborate on energy efficiency strategies.

Montgomery County is leading the way in sustainability. By prioritizing energy performance in buildings, we’re taking significant steps toward a greener, healthier future for all.

For more details, visit the DEP’s Building Energy Performance Standards page.