Washington CBPS Tier 1: Who Needs to Comply & What It Means
If you own or manage a commercial building over 50,000 sq ft in Washington, the Tier 1 Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS) know this, deadline is coming.
Who Has To Comply With Tier 1 CBPS in Washington?
If your building is 50,000 sq ft or larger, you’re in Tier 1 territory.
This isn’t limited to office towers or urban campuses. Any commercial building that meets the 50,000 sq ft threshold is covered statewide. The law applies regardless of your building’s age, use, or ownership structure.
It also means compliance isn’t optional. It’s a statutory obligation under Washington’s Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS).
What Does Tier 1 Compliance Require?
Compliance for CBPS is way more than paperwork. You’re expected to prove that your building meets, or is on track to meet, Washington’s energy performance targets.
This includes:
- Conducting a full-scale energy performance audit
- Benchmarking building data against state standards
- Identifying inefficiencies and documenting a plan for correction
The outcome of your audit will determine whether you need to implement upgrades, improve operational controls, or take other actions to meet the state’s requirements.
Know The Timeline. 2026 Isn’t Far
You have until 2026, but getting a CBPS audit done isn’t a one-week task. Gathering energy data, verifying building systems, and coordinating stakeholders takes time. And as the deadline nears, demand for qualified consultants will spike.
Wait too long and you risk audit delays, limited contractor availability, or non-compliance penalties.
If your building qualifies for Tier 1, it’s wise to start the audit process now.
Why You Should Work With Compliance Experts
The CBPS process is technical, demanding, and the reporting requirements are complex. Mistakes in data reporting or delays in audit delivery will result in fines.
That’s why you want to work with a qualified compliance consultant. They will:
- Understand Washington’s Clean Buildings law inside and out
- Know how to navigate Tier 1 building compliance without wasted time
- Help you build a practical, phased compliance plan
Experts do more than check boxes. Expert helps you avoid retroactive costs and turns compliance headaches into a strategic asset.
What To Look For In A Tier 1 Audit Partner
Not all auditors are created equal. When choosing a CBPS compliance provider, look for the following:
1: Deep experience with WA Clean Buildings law and Tier 1 audit requirements
These are complex laws. You want to find someone who knows it inside and out, has a history of helping property owners get compliant, and can provide a step by step path to the outcome the state requires.
2: A track record of helping commercial owners complete performance audits on time
Experience matters when working on CBPS requirements. You don’t want to be someone’s first, or fifth, or even fifteenth client. You want to work with someone who has 8,000+ clients and a track record so good they were featured on Forbes 5000 list (find that person here).
3: Clear reporting practices and the ability to explain technical steps in plain language
The more experience someone has the easier they can make something complex seem. When vetting engineers look for one who easily explains requirements so you understand them.
4: Avoid generalists.
CBPS isn’t just another energy audit, it’s a regulatory threshold. You need someone who understands the stakes and the systems.
Your 5-Step CBPS Compliance Action Plan
Here’s your quick roadmap for getting ahead of the Tier 1 mandate:
Confirm your building’s size – If it’s over 50,000 sq ft, CBPS Tier 1 applies.
👨💼 Get a compliance consultant on board – Don’t go it alone.
📊 Conduct the performance audit – Benchmark and identify upgrades.
🔧 Implement required changes – Operational or structural, depending on your audit results.
📄 Submit documentation to the state – On time and in the correct format.
Early action equals lower risk, fewer surprises, and better control of cost and outcome.
Final Thought: Don’t Wait for 2026 to Get Serious
This isn’t just about avoiding penalties. It’s about protecting your asset, future-proofing your building, and showing tenants and stakeholders that you take sustainability seriously.
Ready to move?
Avoid CBPS penalties, start your Tier 1 compliance planning today.
