DC adopted the IgCC-based Green Construction Code in DCMR Title 12-K, requiring most new commercial and large multi-family projects to meet enhanced energy, water, and material standards alongside the Building Energy Performance Standards program.
DC's Green Construction Code applies to new buildings over 10,000 square feet and major renovations. Requirements include enhanced envelope insulation, high-efficiency HVAC, water-efficient fixtures, and commissioning. Layered on top is the Clean Energy DC Act of 2018, which directs DOEE to set Building Energy Performance Standards covered buildings must meet on five-year cycles. Failure to comply triggers compliance plans and penalties. The Climate Commitment Act targets net-zero operations citywide by 2045. Permits are issued by DCRA, with DOEE reviewing energy and water provisions. ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager benchmarking is required annually.
BEPS noncompliance: civil penalties scaling with floor area, up to 10 dollars per square foot; failure to file benchmarking: 100 dollars per day per building; permit revocation for green-code breaches.
Washington, DC
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Washington, DC
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See how Washington's green building code rules stack up against other locations.
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