What a New Colorado Ruling Means for BPS
Guest author Jamie Long analyzes the latest ruling in Colorado Apartment Association v. Ryan, and its effect on building performance standards
Building Performance Standards
Building performance standards are the most powerful tools that cities have in reducing emissions in buildings. Below is a collection of IMT resources highlighting the benefits and high-impacts of building performance standards in cities across the country.
The Latest
Equity Up North
Momentum on building performance standards (BPS) extends beyond the United States. Canadian jurisdictions are making movements on performance policies as well. Benchmarking & Reporting and BPS (or BEPS) policies have been passed at both the city and province level (see our map for details). For example, Toronto, Ontario is the latest city to move toward … Continued
A Look into Combining Financing and Leasing for High-Performance Buildings
How high-performance leasing solves the split incentive: real market data, a GLL framework, and a NYC case study.
How Building Resource Hubs Can Transform Our Built Environment
Building resource hubs can helps cities and local/state goverments, communities and real estate stakeholders to create more energy efficient, higher-performing buildings.
Making Policy Accountable to Community: Lessons from Boston and Seattle
This paper, written for ACEEE Summer Study 2026, explores Community Accountablity Boards as a governance tool, using examples from Seattle and Boston.
From Compliance to Performance: Bridging the Lifecycle Discontinuity in Building Policy
This 2026 Summer Study paper discusses how to align building energy codes and building performance policies
Alternative Compliance Path Factsheet
An overview of how alternative compliance paths help buildings of all types improve energy efficiency and overall building performance.
Designing California’s BPS: Addressing Affordability and Climate Ambition
How the State of California can use a building performance standard to advance affordability and sustainability at the same time.
New Year, New BPS: West Hollywood Joins the Club
Get the key details of West Hollywood’s Building Performance Standard
2026 Building Policies Outlook: Local & State Leadership in a Federal Vacuum
James Burton forecasts building performance policies for 2026