Energy Efficiency Standard:

WA implemented the Clean Buildings Performance Standard in 2019, which was subsequently expanded in 2022 and augmented in 2023 (HB 1257). The law provides Tier 1 and Tier 2 voluntary incentives to encourage building owners to make energy efficiency improvements earlier than required and sets a state-specific target for 15% less than 2009-2018 averages.  

Tier 1 covered buildings reporting schedule:  

• June 1, 2026 – More than 220,000 sq. ft. 
• June 1, 2027 – More than 90,000 sq. ft. but less than 220,001 sq. ft  
• June 1, 2028 – More than 50,000 sq. ft. but less than 90,001 sq. ft  

Tier 2 covered buildings reporting schedule:  

• July 1, 2027 – More than 20,000 sq. ft. but less than 50,001 sq. ft. and all multifamily residential buildings more than 20,000 sq. ft.  

Tier 1 buildings are required to meet energy use intensity targets by their compliance date (the first one coming in June 2026) or achieve compliance by implementing identified energy efficiency measures (EEMs). Tier 2 buildings will also be required to do the same but for now are only subject to energy benchmarking and O/M planning.  

Additionally, in 2024, the state began requiring large combination utilities to file integrated system plans that achieve a minimum of 2% annual electric load reduction through energy efficiency and conservation measures, unless the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission finds a higher target is cost-effective (HB 1589).  

Building Codes:

In Washington, the State Building Code Council reviews proposals and decides whether to update the state building code. The Council follows a three-year cycle to update codes consistent with the International Code Council. In 2024, the state adopted the 2021 Washington State Energy Code, which includes 2021 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2019 minimum requirements with extensive amendments to reach state-specific energy reduction targets. Additionally, RCW 19.27A.160 provides that the energy code for both residential and commercial construction must achieve a 70% reduction in annual net energy consumption as compared to 2006 code by 2031. 

Appliance Standards:

In 2005, Washington enacted appliance efficiency standards for 12 products that were subsequently pre-empted by federal standards. The state established new appliance standards for 5 products in 2009 (HB 104) and additional appliance standards for 17 products in 2019 (HB 144). In 2022, Washington updated three existing appliance standards: commercial hot food holding cabinets, portable electric spas, and residential ventilating fans, and added three additional ones: air purifiers, commercial ovens, and electric vehicle supply equipment (HB 1619). The state adopted updated standards via rulemaking for residential ventilating fans and electric vehicle supply equipment and adopted a clean lighting policy in 2024 (HB 1185).