On May 15th, MDE will open the comment period for Maryland’s draft Building Energy Performance Standards.
MDE will soon open its draft Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) regulation for input. The draft will be posted to the MDE BEPS webpage. Counties will have from Monday, May 15, 2023 until June 5, 2023 to to provide written comment. After a review period, the draft BEPS will be presented in September to the Air Quality Control Advisory Council (AQCAC) for advice and adoption.
Background: The Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 requires that the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) develop Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS). MDE must develop standards for buildings that, among other requirements, achieve:
- A 20% reduction in net direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by January 1, 2030, as compared with 2025 levels for average buildings of similar construction and;
- Net-zero direct GHG emissions by January 1, 2040.
Covered buildings are buildings in Maryland that are 35,000 square feet or larger (excluding the parking garage area). Historic properties, public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools, manufacturing buildings, and agricultural buildings are exempt. Owners of covered buildings will need to report data to MDE each year beginning in 2025.
Links For More Information About MDE Regulations:
Helpful Contact: BEPS.MDE@maryland.gov
