Building Environmental Performance Standards (BEPS) – What You Need To Know
Home Innovation Research explains the significance of Building Environmental Performance Standards for carbon impact reduction.
According to Home Innovation Research Labs, building Environmental Performance Standards (BEPS) are outcome-based policies and laws aimed at reducing the carbon impact of the built environment by requiring existing buildings to meet energy and/or greenhouse gas emissions-based performance targets. They establish targets for energy consumption, often based on factors such as building size, type, and use. These standards aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy costs, improve occupant comfort, and promote sustainable building practices.
When BEPS are combined with building codes that regulate performance for new construction or major renovations, they provide a lifecycle approach to building performance to help state and local governments to deliver on their energy and carbon goals for the building sector.
Why Do Builders/Developers/Building Owners Need to Know About BEPS?
Governments around the world are implementing BEPS as part of their efforts to address climate change and promote sustainable development. This includes jurisdictions within the United States as shown in the above map. Builders, developers, and building owners should stay informed about local, state, and national environmental performance standards to ensure compliance with regulations. Failure to meet these standards could result in fines, penalties, or delays in project approvals. Even if you do not build or own properties in one of the above jurisdictions, BEPS are expanding rapidly to promote a more sustainable future.
Do BEPS have benefits for the real estate industry?
As with most regulations, BEPS have benefits and disadvantages for builders and owners.
The main benefit of enforcing BEPS requirements is their function as a roadmap toward realizing a zero-emissions future, an essential measure in tackling the issues of climate change. While BEPs are primarily adopted to reduce a community’s overall energy use and GHG emissions, builders and property owners are positioned to benefit from the improved understanding of building operations and efficiency gains.
The biggest challenge with BEPS is that they can add significant cost to construction and building operation.