Three large jurisdictions adopted Building Performance Standards (BPS) policies in 2019, and more are considering such action.
A BPS policy can include multiple standards, each targeted to improve performance for different aspects of a building, including reductions in energy, emissions, energy demand, and gas and water use. A BPS policy requires data to be available to set and measure the performance for each standard at the individual building level.
In recent years, many cities have adopted benchmarking policies include ENERGY STAR scores, energy use intensity (energy use per square foot), greenhouse gas emissions per square foot, and water use intensity. These metrics can be used to support a BPS program.
Three jurisdictions in the U.S.—the District of Columbia, New York City, and the State of Washington—all adopted a BPS in 2019, though they have yet to be implemented. More than a dozen jurisdictions are considering BPS, including Boston and Saint Louis.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Feb 16, 2021
Bechtel joins international heat resilience organization
Experience designing resilience standards to aid effort to protect communities from extreme heat.
Codes and Standards | Feb 10, 2021
More than two-thirds of construction companies say COVID-19 has not impacted their ESOP
Half of survey respondents say 2020 project profitability decreased due to pandemic.
Codes and Standards | Feb 9, 2021
New Jersey approves new electric vehicle-ready home requirement
Homebuyers must be given option for charging station on new construction.
Codes and Standards | Feb 9, 2021
New California law removes barriers to residential development
Measure removes restrictions for ADUs in urban areas and master planned communities.
Codes and Standards | Feb 8, 2021
Alliance yields more accurate data for rating and certifying systems of construction materials
Crosswalk API offers trusted format to specify and procure healthier products.
Codes and Standards | Feb 4, 2021
2021 IBC requires automatic doors for entrances to public buildings
One door must be either a full power-operated door or a low-energy power-operated door.
Codes and Standards | Feb 3, 2021
Two new International Code Council online code tools released
Offer detailed information about global building code usage and U.S. adoptions.
Codes and Standards | Feb 2, 2021
Biden tells OSHA to bolster COVID-19 safety rules
Order could lead to a national playbook for fighting COVID-19 on jobsites.
Codes and Standards | Feb 1, 2021
Fenestration Alliance updates standard for mulled combination assemblies
Last updated in 2010, document describes procedures and requirements for air leakage, water resistance, and structural performance.
Codes and Standards | Jan 28, 2021
Natl. Fire Protection Assn. releases new energy storage system fact sheet
Comes as Biden Administration prepares ambitious clean energy agenda.
