Milwaukee Implements Building Performance Standards to Enhance Energy Efficiency

Milwaukie City Council is taking significant steps towards enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions in commercial and multifamily buildings. During the recent council meeting on July 15, 2025, officials discussed the implementation of new building performance standards (BPS) that will require existing commercial buildings of 35,000 square feet or larger to comply with specific energy use targets.

The BPS policy, which is part of a broader initiative established by House Bill 3409, aims to continuously improve energy efficiency. Buildings will be categorized by use type and size, with performance standards set based on the average energy use of each category. Compliance will be evaluated regularly, leading to progressively stricter targets to ensure ongoing improvements.

Milwaukie has approximately 65 buildings that fall under the tier 1 category, including public facilities, which will need to adhere to these new standards. Additionally, the policy will apply to multifamily residential buildings over 35,000 square feet and commercial buildings under 20,000 square feet, although the latter will only be required to report their energy use without mandated improvements.

A noteworthy aspect of the BPS is its allowance for local governments to establish more ambitious performance standards. For instance, the City of Portland is exploring carbon emission standards that exceed the state requirements, aiming for a 20% reduction in emissions by 2030 for large existing buildings. This approach includes various compliance pathways, such as energy efficiency improvements and the option to purchase renewable energy.

The council also discussed potential new policies, including a carbon pollution fee for new residential buildings, which would be tied to the social cost of carbon. This fee would be assessed at the time of building permit issuance and is designed to encourage developers to choose non-fossil fuel appliances, with funds generated directed towards low-income energy efficiency assistance programs.

Looking ahead, the council plans to conduct a building stock analysis to better understand the energy use of existing buildings and how to meet future decarbonization goals. Community engagement efforts will also be initiated to gather input on health equity and safety standards related to energy efficiency improvements.

As Milwaukie moves forward with these initiatives, the council is prioritizing which policies to advance, recognizing the need for a strategic approach to effectively tackle the challenges of building performance and climate action. The outcomes of these discussions will play a crucial role in shaping the city's environmental future and its commitment to sustainability.