
Annapolis has adopted Building Performance Standards under its Community Action Plan, requiring commercial and multifamily buildings to improve efficiency, cut emissions, and shift to clean energy. This guide covers compliance deadlines and strategies to meet performance targets while cutting costs.
Annapolis is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving building efficiency through its Building Performance Standards (BPS). As part of the city’s Community Action Plan, these regulations set clear energy and emissions benchmarks that commercial and multifamily buildings must meet within defined timeframes.
The goal is to reduce energy waste, cut carbon emissions, encourage electrification, and promote renewable energy adoption. Businesses operating in Annapolis must take action to comply with these regulations or face potential penalties.
If your company owns, operates, or manages a building in Annapolis, understanding and preparing for these requirements is essential.

A Building Performance Standard (BPS) is a regulatory framework that mandates specific energy and emissions reduction targets for buildings. Unlike voluntary energy efficiency programs, BPS regulations require businesses to take action to improve energy performance.
Compliance deadlines require businesses to gradually meet efficiency goals over time. Failure to comply may result in fines, operational restrictions, or increased costs.
Annapolis’s BPS applies to commercial and multifamily buildings. Business owners, property managers, and facility operators should prepare for compliance if they own or lease space in:
Each property type must report energy usage and make necessary improvements to meet city-mandated performance benchmarks.
Annapolis requires buildings to benchmark energy performance by tracking consumption, emissions, and efficiency metrics. This data helps businesses:
Regular benchmarking allows property managers to track progress toward energy reduction goals and adjust strategies as needed.
Reducing energy consumption is a key compliance requirement. Businesses can improve efficiency by:
Efficiency upgrades not only support compliance but also lower utility costs.
Annapolis’s BPS encourages businesses to phase out fossil fuels and adopt electric heating, cooling, and water systems. Businesses can transition by:
Electrification supports the city’s goal of 100% clean energy adoption and improves building efficiency.

To meet emissions reduction targets, businesses must increase on-site renewable energy production or procure clean energy. Options include:
Renewable energy adoption reduces carbon emissions and provides long-term financial benefits.
Demand management strategies help businesses meet BPS energy limits while minimizing costs. Companies can:
Effective load management ensures buildings consume energy efficiently without exceeding performance targets.
Annapolis mandates annual energy performance reporting to track BPS compliance. Businesses must provide:
Accurate reporting is critical to maintaining compliance and avoiding penalties.
Upgrading building systems reduces long-term energy expenses. High-performance buildings cost less to operate and qualify for utility incentives and tax credits.
Failure to comply with BPS regulations can result in financial penalties and increased operating costs. Taking early action prevents last-minute compliance issues.
Complying with Annapolis’s BPS positions businesses as environmental leaders, helping companies:
Sustainability leadership also provides a competitive advantage in attracting investors and business partners.

While efficiency upgrades require investment, businesses can offset costs through:
Energy performance tracking and compliance reporting can be complex. Businesses should:
Shifting from gas-powered to electric building systems takes planning. Businesses can transition by gradually replacing equipment and integrating smart automation tools.
Annapolis’s Building Performance Standards will shape how commercial and multifamily buildings operate in the coming years. Businesses must act now to:
Early compliance ensures cost savings, regulatory adherence, and environmental leadership. By proactively managing energy performance, businesses can stay ahead of the city’s evolving sustainability requirements.

Ready to make Annapolis a better place? Download the Annapolis Community Action Plan and join the movement for a thriving and sustainable future.

Download the official guide to Annapolis’s LEED-based green building ordinance to stay compliant and sustainable.
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