BPS Resource Library

Multiple resources are available to assist state and local governments in understanding the components of a BPS and the process for establishing this type of policy in their jurisdiction.

Getting Started

EPA Benchmarking and Building Performance Standards Policy Toolkit

The Benchmarking and Building Performance Standards Policy Toolkit created by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) aims to inform and support state and local government decision makers who are exploring adopting policies focused on reducing energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from existing commercial and multifamily buildings in their communities. This toolkit offers background information on key considerations for benchmarking and BPS policy design, cross-jurisdictional coordination, and data access.

ASHRAE Building Performance Standards Overview

This document developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Task Force for Building Decarbonization provides an overview of the BPS development process, including considerations such as performance target-setting, implementation and enforcement timelines, equitable policy application, and compliance support. ASHRAE also compiled a list of BPS Resources and Publications that provide an overview of BPS policy elements, performance metrics, relation with new construction, and available compliance tools.

IMT Building Performance Standards Resources

The Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) has prepared a series of BPS-related resources that provide information on building performance standards, including a fact sheet on how cities can benefit from these policies, and a matrix Comparison of U.S. Building Performance Standards that compares the requirements of existing BPS in U.S. cities and states. Additionally, IMT has also created a Model Ordinance that is intended to provide sample language for a BPS ordinance in a jurisdiction.

USDN Building Performance Standards Framework

The Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) has prepared a framework for local governments, community and industry stakeholders interested in building performance standards that provides guidance on how to plan and coordinate the different policy components to achieve equitable outcomes. The USDN has also hosted a series of BPS webinars that are available on demand that provide background for local governments, community members, and industry professionals.

Metric Selection and Target-Setting

Better Buildings – Setting Carbon Goals and Tracking Progress

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Better Buildings has put together a list of resources that can provide guidance on what to consider when setting a carbon-related goal and what data is needed to track it. The site offers several resources for target-setting, how to develop a greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) inventory, and how to track GHG data.

ASHRAE Building Performance Standards: A Technical Resource Guide

To support policymakers and interested professionals in this process, ASHRAE convened a BPS Working Group under its Task Force on Building Decarbonization (TFBD) that is working to produce a Technical Resource Guide that guides jurisdictions through the target-setting process and outlines the available methodology options. The guide also provides additional background in metric selection.

Data and Tools

Better Buildings – Benchmarking and Building Performance Standards: A Resource Compendium

The U.S. DOE Better Buildings has put together a list of resources to help navigate tools and procedures for tracking, reporting, and compliance with benchmarking and building performance standards.

Building Energy Data Sharing and Analysis Tools for BPS Implementation

The following list of tools can be used for accessing, managing, analyzing and sharing building energy data in support of Building Performance Standards.