Seattle, WA Building Safety: Green Building Code (2026)

Building Emissions Performance Standard — Buildings are responsible for 40% of Seattle's climate pollution — the majority of which comes from burning fossil fuels for space and water heating. The Building Emissions Performance Standard (BEPS) law addresses this pollution and increases climate resiliency by gradually moving existing buildings off polluting fossil fuels and onto cleaner sources like City Light's low-emissions electricity. BEPS requires nonresidential and multifamily buildings larger than 20,000 square feet to meet progressively stronger greenhouse gas emissions targets over the next two decades. Covered buildings must eventually reach net-zero emissions by 2041–2050. These reductions will make a big difference — by 2050, BEPS is projected to decrease emissions from buildings as a whole by 27%. What Do Building Owners Need to Do? Verify Emissions and Energy Data — BEPS phases in over time. By 2027–2030 (depending on building size), building owners must have a Qualified Person conduct Benchmarking Verification. [...] Make a Plan — By 2027–2030, a building's Qualified Person must submit a Greenhouse Gas Report that documents upcoming emissions targets and shows how a building owner plans to comply. Meet Emissions Targets — By 2031–2035, building owners must meet the initial emissions targets or use an alternative compliance path.