Earth Day and BPS Policies

Earth Day, which was first observed April 22, 1970 has paved the way for summits, activism, and environmental regulation leading to the first of its kind in the U.S.: the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. 

The Clean Air Act (enacted  December 1970) allows the EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) to protect public health and regulate emissions of hazardous pollutants. The Clean Air Act was created to protect the health of the public by limiting harmful pollutants with growing concern of smog, acid rain, and damage to the ozone layer. 

Similarly, the Clean Water Act (became law in 1972) was created to address the public’s concern about water pollution. The act regulates the discharges of pollutants and the quality standards for water. It allows the EPA to create pollution control programs and set wastewater standards for industry. 

Additional jurisdictions are releasing Building Performance Standards (BPS) policies and programs to address energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions that affect the Multifamily building sector targeting Earth Day.  BPS policies are addressing climate change by limiting greenhouse gas emissions and increasinging energy efficiency in buildings, which is not only better for the environment, but also leads to monetary savings for tenants and owners.  Some of these jurisdictions already have additional requirements beyond the compliance benchmark, like ASHRAE audits, however the jurisdictions are launching BPS requirements in addition to their existing standards.

From water and air to greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency, Earth Day continues to be a monumental day to demonstrate the demand for and enactment of environmental policy at every level of government for a healthy society.

We tend to think of BPS as something new and surprising; like these requirements appeared suddenly. When in reality, they are merely extensions and the evolution of policies that have existed for more than half a decade. Although the first drafts were focused on industry, it was really only a matter of time before Commercial Real Estate (of which Multifamily is a part of) was integrated into the objectives of protecting public health, protecting our water resources and maintaining our ability to survive on this planet. Commercial Real Estate is responsible for over 30% of carbon emissions annually; we are the low hanging fruit when contemplating how to protect our way of life as we know it.  

Jurisdictions are looking to BPS because they are the most powerful and direct tool for driving improved performance in existing buildings. BPS can bring additional benefits to implementing jurisdictions by fueling local job creation, economic growth, achieving increased renewable energy share, and reducing energy costs. In our efforts to survive, as businesses and people, and in the spirit of Earth Day, here are lists of BPS that are in effect today and the new ones anticipated coming soon.

Existing (and new)  BPS Policy Jurisdictions

Coming  BPS Policy Jurisdictions**

**Coming Jurisdictions based on IMT.org

If you would like more information about the policies, your risks and opportunities to celebrate, please contact us.