TABLE OF CONTENTS
COMPLIANCE GUIDE
WHAT IS THE MARYLAND BUILDING ENERGY PERFORMANCE STANDARDS ORDINANCE (BEPS)?
BEPS is a local law that aims to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions generated by large buildings in Maryland. Owners of buildings subject to BEPS are required to report their buildings’ annual energy consumption. Starting in 2030, they will also need to comply with building emissions standards (i.e., emissions limits). The emissions standards set by BEPS decrease over time, with all buildings expected to reach net-zero emissions by 2040.
DOWNLOAD MARYLAND BEPS BROCHURE
BEPS PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Policy
CLIMATE SOLUTIONS NOW ACT (CSNA)
Bill Text
BEPS ORDINANCE
Enforcing Agency
MARYLAND DEPT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Size of Property
BUILDINGS OVER 35,000 sq ft.
Property Type
COMMERCIAL, MULTIFAMILY, PUBLIC BUILDINGS
Required Information
12 MONTHS ENERGY AND BUILDING USE DATA
Phase II Building Performance
Standards
BUILDING EMISSIONS STANDARD
Benchmarking Due Date
JUNE 1, ANNUALLY
Fines for Non-Compliance
DEPENDENT ON COMPLIANCE PATHWAY
EXEMPTIONS FROM MARYLAND BEPS
Building owners that are experiencing financial hardship or whose building was unoccupied or demolished for more than half of the reporting year may be eligible for a compliance exemption. Affordable housing providers can receive exemptions for additional standards outlined in the bill text.
THIRD PARTY VERIFICATION REQUIREMENT
As a part of Maryland’s Building Energy Performance Standards, you must hire a third-party qualified energy professional to verify your reported data. Third-party verification is required every five years of reporting starting in 2026 (reporting 2025 data).
BEPS PROGRAM ENFORCEMENT
Buildings out of compliance with Maryland’s building energy performance standards will need to pay a fee for every metric ton of CO2 they emit over the standard.
Fees begin in 2030 at $230 per metric ton of excess CO2 in 2020 dollars, adjusted for inflation. Each year fees increase by $4.
EMISSIONS STANDARDS COMPLIANCE SCHEDULE
Click here to get the full list of compliance dates.
GREEN ECONOME COMPLIANCE PROCESS
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- Evaluate the Phase I benchmarking report(s) for the building’s least-cost path to Phase II compliance (or complete benchmarking, if annual disclosure hasn’t been met).
- Provide Third Party Verification.
- Provide Phase II net direct emissions reporting and or consulting proposals for applicable services.
- Upon signed agreement, fulfill Phase II services, submit compliance requirements to the City, and provide reports to the building owner/representative.
