Clean Buildings Bulletin
Program news
 Are warehouses exempt from the CBPS?
Exemption applications for warehouse buildings frequently use the manufacturing/industrial building exemption. However, warehouse buildings aren't eligible for the manufacturing or industrial exemption. The standard includes both refrigerated and nonrefrigerated warehouses as covered building activity types that must comply with the standard. Warehouses may be exempt under the unconditioned and semi-heated space category. Please refer to the following this guidance document about Tier 1 building exemptions for conditioned space less than 50,000 square feet for more information.
To qualify for the manufacturing/industrial exemption, a building must be used for manufacturing or industrial purposes, as defined in the Washington state edition of the International Building Code (IBC). Factory Group F and High Hazard Group H, as outlined in the IBC, define what building activity types are considered manufacturing and industrial. Please also note that zoning information is not sufficient to demonstrate building eligibility. for example, buildings located in a light industrial zone are not automatically considered manufacturing or industrial in nature.
When you apply for the manufacturing/industrial building exemption, your supporting documents must clearly demonstrate that the building is used for qualifying exemptions. Applications lacking clear evidence or sufficient documentation may not be approved.
For additional details about the manufacturing/industrial building exemption, refer to this guidance document about Tier 1 building exemptions for manufacturing or other industrial purposes.
Visit the Clean Buildings webpage for more information or contact the Clean Buildings Team by submitting a Customer Support Form.
Grants and Incentive Program Updates
Commerce awards more than $29 million for Clean Buildings Performance Standard compliance projects statewide
 Commerce recently announced a $29.6 million investment to help building owners renovate 464 facilities in 12 counties and meet the Clean Buildings Performance Standard. Commerce made a total of 144 awards from four Commerce Clean Buildings grant programs: Energy Retrofits for Public Buildings, Energy Audits for Public Buildings, Clean Buildings Performance Grants, and State Project Improvements. This funding will help increase energy efficiency in public buildings, lower energy costs, reduce pollution and create jobs in communities.
Chimacum School District proudly received of a portion of the $6.1 million awarded for Clean Buildings Performance Grants. Kelly Liske, executive director of business and finance for Chimacum School District, explained how the funds will be used: "Through this project, the district will implement ongoing ENERGY STAR® benchmarking, develop and maintain an Energy Management Plan, establish a formal Operations and Maintenance program, provide staff training, and complete all required documentation for compliance."
You're invited to read the full announcement and see all the awarded recipients. For questions related to the Early Adopter Incentive program or any of the funding opportunities to support CBPS compliance, please contact the Clean Buildings Incentive Program.
Support and resources
The Smart Building Center’s Tool Lending Library
In August, five Clean Buildings Fellows and project partners conducted in-person site visits, walking through mechanical rooms, exploring rooftop units, and learning how to use diagnostic tools. During site visits, Rebecca and Melissa from the Smart Buildings Center brought their Tool Lending Library toolkits and demonstrated how to use these diagnostic tools.
Fellows learned how to use infrared and contact thermometers to validate system performance and ensure occupant comfort. In situations where fellows may need to verify square footage, Rebecca and Melissa showcased the laser distance meter. All Clean Buildings Fellows now have access to the toolkits so they can use tools to best support their host sites and building owners in their service territories.
 Rebecca and Melissa from the Smart Buildings Center's toolkit demonstration
To learn how you can use available tools, check out the Smart Building Center’s Tool Lending Library. Through this library, building owners, managers and other energy service professionals can borrow diagnostic tools ranging from data loggers to power meters to infrared thermometers. If you're interested in borrowing tools for your building, visit the Tool Lending Library website.
 CBPS Webinar Series: Upcoming webinars
Clean Buildings 101
September 16, 2026, 10-11.a.m.
Register for Clean Buildings 101
CBPS Webinar: Investment Criteria Compliance Pathway
October 7, 2026 ,10-11 a.m.
Register for Investment Criteria CBPS Webinar
CBPS Webinar: Support and Resources
October 28, 2026 ,10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Register for Support and Resources CBPS Webinar
Smart Buildings Exchange in Seattle
Join the Clean Buildings team and thousands of others for the 2026 in Seattle on November 9-10, 2026. SBX 2026 brings together building owners, operators, engineers, technology providers, utilities, policymakers and energy professionals for two days of high-impact discussion, debate and collaboration to address one critical question: What will it take to move smart buildings from promising projects to genuine, repeatable scale?
Register for SBX
QEM Training available in person and on demand
The Qualified Energy Management (QEM) course is designed to equip building professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to comply with the Tier 2 requirements of Washington state’s Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS).
No-cost technical support
For questions or to request support on the Clean Buildings Performance Standard, Early Adopter Incentives Program or the Clean Buildings Portal, contact us using the Customer Support Form.
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