Energy and Water Efficiency Required for Seattle Buildings

Starting in 2018, Seattle buildings that are 50,000 square feet or larger will be required to undergo inspections and performance tune-ups every five years per a new city ordinance. The inspection and improvement process will identify free or low-cost operational changes and energy and water performance upgrades that building owners and managers can implement. Most of the suggested improvements will offer a payback period of 2-3 years.

Facilities that already undergo periodic improvements or demonstrate high energy and water efficiency will be exempted from the policy. Additionally, the new legislation mandates city-owned buildings to perform the tune-up process one year before the compliance date. The requirements will work in concert with the city’s existing benchmarking law, which releases benchmarking data to the public.