Model Ordinance for a Building Performance Standard by Institute for Market Transformation (IMT)

The model ordinance presented below serves as a template for local and state governments to develop building performance standards. The ordinance benefits from lessons learned from the four jurisdictions (District of Columbia, New York City, St. Louis, and State of Washington) that had adopted building performance standards as of January 2021. Since 2018, IMT has worked in varying capacities with over a dozen jurisdictions on building performance standards and was
heavily involved in the development of the adopted performance standards in the District of Columbia and St. Louis.

Putting Policy in Action: Building Performance Standard Implementation Guide by Institute for Market Transformation (IMT)

This resource details the administrative structures needed, including the roles of the Implementing Department, Community Accountability Board, Building Performance Improvement Board, and Technical Committee. The guide also explains how to determine performance metrics, such as site energy use intensity, GHG emissions, water use, and indoor air quality, and set final and interim standards using approaches like the trajectory method. Furthermore, it describes the function of Building Performance Action Plans (BPAPs) as an alternative compliance option for buildings facing exceptional challenges, including defining qualifying scenarios and outlining documentation and review processes. Finally, the document emphasizes the importance of data management through a BPPMS, violations and enforcement mechanisms like Alternative Compliance Payments, inter- and intra-governmental coordination, engagement with utilities, and the creation of High-Performance Building Hubs to support stakeholders.