The Maryland Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) are a set of statewide regulations established to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve energy efficiency in large buildings, as mandated by the Climate Solutions Now Act (CSNA) of 2022. The standards are designed to address one of the state’s largest sources of emissions—buildings—by setting clear requirements for energy benchmarking, reporting, and emissions reduction for certain large buildings.
Purpose
BEPS was created to fulfill CSNA’s mandate to reduce direct GHG emissions and promote energy efficiency in Maryland’s building sector. The regulations are codified under COMAR 26.28 and became effective on December 23, 2024. The overarching goal is to achieve net-zero direct GHG emissions from covered buildings by 2040.
Covered Buildings
BEPS applies to existing commercial, multifamily, and state-owned buildings that are 35,000 square feet or larger, excluding parking garages. Exemptions include historic properties, elementary or secondary schools, manufacturing and agricultural buildings, federal government buildings, and buildings scheduled for demolition. New buildings over 35,000 square feet must comply after their first full year of occupancy.
Key Requirements and Timeline
Benchmarking and Reporting (Starting 2025):
Owners of covered buildings must annually measure and report their energy use and building data using the EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool.
The first benchmarking data is due by June 1, 2025, and annually thereafter.
Third-party verification of benchmarking data is required at specified intervals to ensure accuracy.
Performance Standards (Starting 2030):
Buildings must meet annual net direct GHG emissions standards, with the first compliance year in 2030.
The original plan included both emissions and energy use intensity (EUI) standards, but as of 2024, only direct emissions standards are in effect. EUI standards may be reinstated in 2027 based on benchmarking data.
The standards focus on emissions from onsite fuel combustion (e.g., natural gas, fuel oil); emissions from electricity use are not currently regulated under BEPS.
Reduction Targets:
Achieve a 20% reduction in net direct GHG emissions by 2030 (compared to 2025 baselines).
Attain net-zero direct GHG emissions by 2040.
Compliance and Enforcement
If a building exceeds its emissions limit, the owner must pay an alternative compliance fee of $230 per excess metric ton of CO₂-equivalent emissions (2020 dollars, adjusted for inflation), increasing by $4 per ton each year after 2030.
Exemptions from benchmarking or BEPS requirements may be granted for financial distress, unoccupied buildings, or those being demolished. Special provisions exist for affordable housing and reduced occupancy during baseline years.
Implementation and Support
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) administers BEPS, providing a portal for reporting and compliance resources. The portal assigns unique building identifiers (UBIDs) for tracking and compliance. Technical manuals and guidance documents are available to assist building owners and third-party verifiers.
Maryland’s BEPS is a comprehensive regulatory framework targeting large buildings to drive significant reductions in direct GHG emissions and improve energy efficiency. By requiring benchmarking, reporting, and phased emissions reductions, the standards position Maryland as one of the leading states in building decarbonization and climate action.
More information on Maryland’s new BEPS is available here.
Image: https://energy.maryland.gov/Pages/MDCleanBuildingsHub.aspx
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