If you’re waiting until the end of 2025 to deal with BEPS, you’re already at risk of a $10 per square foot penalty. Washington, D.C. commercial property owners and facility managers must act now to meet DC BEPS compliance 2025 requirements. The Washington DC building energy performance standards (BEPS) aren’t just another line item on your to-do list; they carry real financial consequences if missed. With over 3,000 buildings across the city subject to these rules, the clock is ticking. This blog shares a clear DC BEPS checklist 2025 designed to help you navigate Q2’s critical Washington DC energy audit deadlines and avoid the $10 per square foot BEPS penalty.
Even if you’re already aware of BEPS, the fine print, especially around timing, often gets overlooked. Many buildings in D.C. still haven’t chosen a pathway under the BEPS compliance pathways DC framework. That delay could cost thousands in penalties, especially for larger properties. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the must-complete Q2 items, including how to schedule your audit, which reporting tools to use, and which compliance options make the most sense for your building. You’ll also learn how to avoid $10/sq ft BEPS fines in Washington DC, and how a free consultation with our Washington DC experts can help you meet the deadlines with confidence.
Q2 BEPS Checklist: What You Must Complete Before Summer
DC’s BEPS compliance 2025 timeline doesn’t wait for year-end planning. Q2 is the most critical window for getting your building on track, especially if you haven’t selected a compliance pathway or completed your energy audit.
1. Confirm Your Building’s BEPS Status
By now, every building over 25,000 sq ft in D.C. should have received a BEPS Phase 2 notice. If you haven’t:
- Log into the DOEE’s Benchmarking Portal
- Confirm your 2019 ENERGY STAR score or baseline data, don’t have that data, check with us at VertPro.com
- Review your building’s BEPS eligibility and compliance status
Tip: Failing to confirm your status by Q2 increases the risk of noncompliance and missed reporting triggers.
2. Choose a BEPS Compliance Pathway
D.C. offers four compliance pathways. Choosing the wrong one, or delaying the decision, can cost you time and money:
- Standard Target Pathway – Improve your score to meet the 2025 standard
- Performance Improvement Pathway – Reduce site energy use by a set percentage
- Prescriptive Pathway – Complete a list of pre-approved upgrades
- Alternative Compliance Pathway – For buildings facing unique operational constraints
Action step: Submit your pathway selection form by June 30, or risk automatic assignment and potential fines.
3. Schedule and Complete Your Energy Audit
A professional energy audit isn’t optional; it’s required to support many compliance options. If you wait until Q3, you may not meet the documentation deadlines.
Key requirements include:
- ASHRAE Level II audit conducted by a licensed professional (VertPro.com)
- Audit report submitted to DOEE within 60 days of completion (VertPro.com)
- Verification of building system performance and efficiency baselines
Reminder: Missing your energy audit puts you at immediate risk of a $10 per square foot BEPS penalty.
4. Upload Your Reporting Documents
By the end of Q2, make sure your:
- ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager data is up to date
- Audit documents are complete and submitted
- Compliance pathway documentation is uploaded to the DOEE portal
Non-submission by Q2 deadlines means your building is “out of compliance” even if improvements are underway.
5. Plan and Budget for Required Improvements
BEPS is not just paperwork; it’s a mandate to improve actual energy performance. For buildings on the Performance or Prescriptive Pathway, Q2 is the time to:
- Identify high-return upgrades (HVAC, lighting, automation)
- Secure contractor bids
- Apply for available rebates or financing programs
Pro tip: Early planning saves capital. Late compliance often means premium labor costs and scheduling delays.
Don’t Let Q2 Slip Away: Secure BEPS Compliance Now
You now know what’s at stake. The DC BEPS compliance 2025 rules aren’t just complex—they’re costly if ignored. This post walked you through a step-by-step Q2 checklist to keep your building on track: confirming your BEPS status, selecting a compliance pathway, completing your energy audit, uploading critical documents, and budgeting for improvements. Every missed step adds up, and the $10 per square foot BEPS penalty isn’t a threat, it’s a reality for properties that fall behind.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to navigate this alone. Our Washington DC energy compliance experts are ready to help you meet every deadline and avoid costly mistakes. Sign up for a free consultation today and get a custom strategy built around your building’s needs. The clock’s ticking, get ahead of it while there’s still time.
VertPro.com offers tools and services to help property owners and managers improve building energy efficiency and meet regulatory standards. Whether you’re looking for instant pricing on energy audits, need support with benchmark compliance, or want to explore available building upgrade options, VertPro® provides user-friendly technology solutions to simplify the process. Their platform helps ensure adherence to over 60 Energy Benchmarking and Efficiency Laws across the country.
