Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich Applauds County Council’s Approval of Building Energy Performance Standards Regulations to Enhance Building Energy Efficiency

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich applauds the County Council’s unanimous vote on Tuesday to approve Executive Regulation 17-23AM, Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS), which aims to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions from buildings in Montgomery County. The measure is essential to implementing Bill 16-21 and provides the details necessary to implement the BEPS program.

The Executive Regulation 17-23AM outlines specific site energy use intensity (EUI) performance standards for each building type, provides a credit for onsite renewable energy towards meeting the performance standard, and provides a framework for Building Performance Improvement Plans. BEPS applies to most commercial and multifamily buildings 25,000 square feet or larger, which total more than 250 million square feet.

"I thank the County Council for their unanimous approval of the Building Energy Performance Standards  regulation. Passing these regulations is a major step forward in our Climate Action Plan,” said Montgomery County Executive Elrich. “We are striking the right balance—reducing carbon pollution and supporting jobs while giving building owners a clear, flexible and fair path to compliance. Montgomery County continues to make significant, measurable progress toward a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future.”

Over the past year, the Transportation and Environment Committee hosted seven discussions on the regulations, gathering input from diverse stakeholder groups. In response to the feedback received, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) adjusted the regulations, which were transmitted by the County Executive on Jan. 22, 2025. The updated regulations provide greater flexibility for building owners to meet the performance standards, while still achieving substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

“This is a historic step forward in Montgomery County’s commitment to sustainability and an important time for environmental progress in Montgomery County,” said DEP Director Jon Monger. “We appreciate the partnership of the County Council and many community members in shaping this program. Their thoughtful and intentional feedback translates into a robust and innovative program that will drive significant emissions reductions while also providing flexibility for property owners and residents. We’re excited to continue working together to build a resilient and energy-efficient future for all.”

The new BEPS regulations will be a focus at the upcoming Montgomery County Energy Summit on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 8 and 9. Building owners, property managers, developers and industry leaders are encouraged to attend and collaborate on energy efficiency, sustainability and strategies to meet climate goals.

For more information visit DEP’s Building Energy Performance Standards website.

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Release ID: 25-082
Media Contact: Cindy Peña 202-875-1563
Categories: Environment