WFIS strives to stay abreast of the latest opportunities and regulations related to the Clean Buildings Performance Standard that will be transforming all structures, utilities and use of resources in WA State in the years to come. All schools are encouraged to have their facilities manager involved with the expectations for compliance. Sign up for updates on the lower right of the Dept. of Commerce’s Clean Buildings homepage. Opportunities that may be relevant for some schools are outlined below.
179D Tax Deductions and Other Rebates
If you are upgrading your facility or building a new one that is energy efficient, you may be eligible for 179D tax deductions that can be transferred from nonprofits to construction vendors. The improvements that seem to provide the most benefit are lighting, HVAC systems, and roofing.
There are also some tax rebate opportunities, including bus upgrades, vehicle charging stations, and water heat pumps. More information is here in this article.
Clean Buildings ‘Alternate Path’ for large campuses
HB 1390, from the 2023 legislative session, is slated to provide an opportunity for Campus Energy Systems (State district, private, and public-private partnerships) to implement a Campus Decarbonization Plan that extends the Clean Buildings timelines under specific scenarios up to 15 years.
Private Schools with three or more buildings on their campus totaling over 100,000 sq. ft. should review the Department of Commerce’s Decarbonization Plan for District Campuses (details begin around page 13).
The info sessions have closed, but the opportunity to provide public comment on the proposed concepts is open through April 6.
Bellevue Clean Buildings Incentive Program
The Bellevue Clean Buildings Incentive Program is designed to help large buildings in Bellevue reduce energy use, leverage financial incentives for energy-efficiency projects, and comply with the WA State Clean Buildings standard.
If you are an owner or operator of a nonprofit building with 20,000+ square feet of space and wondering what the Washington Clean Buildings Performance Standard means, join the free webinars on April 3 or 4.
If you understand the law and want to learn more about the building energy benchmarking process, join the free April 10 webinar.
Understanding the Law and How to Comply
- April 3: 11 am-12 pm
- April 4: 12-1 pm
Benchmarking Your Building
- April 10: 11 am-12 pm
Visit Eventbrite to register for any webinar today.
