Washington Clean Buildings · Tier 2 guide

Washington Clean Buildings Tier 2 checklist for owners

Last checked against official sources on October 14, 2026.

Every Tier 2 step from Commerce's official process, in order, as a checklist a small owner or condo board can actually work through before July 1, 2027.

The checklist

1. Confirm the building is Tier 2. Multifamily over 20,000 gross sq ft, or nonresidential/hotel/dorm space over 20,000 up to 50,000 sq ft, parking excluded (Commerce, Tier 2 compliance). Use our free Tier 2 calculator.
2. Check exemptions first. Apply in the Portal no later than six months before the compliance date. No QEM is needed to apply (Commerce, Tier 2 compliance).
3. Create a Clean Buildings Portal account and confirm ownership on the Tier 2 Data Pool tab (walkthrough).
4. Build your team. Tier 2 requires a Qualified Energy Manager. Commerce offers free QEM training; condo boards and small owners often hire one (what a QEM does).
5. Benchmark in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. Request energy data from your utilities; they must provide it (RCW 19.27A.170). See getting utility data.
6. Energy use intensity target (Form B). Your QEM develops it. Tier 2 buildings don't have to meet it yet.
7. Energy Management Plan and O&M program, plus Commerce's mandatory EMP and O&M reporting tools. Commerce's templates are optional.
8. Submit through the Portal by July 1, 2027. Early compliance is accepted now.
9. Apply for the incentive if eligible (Tier 2 Early Adopter Incentive); first-come, not guaranteed.
10. Need more time? Extensions can be requested from six months before to six months after the deadline with a qualifying reason (extension vs. compliance).

Extra steps for condo boards

• Put Tier 2 on a board meeting agenda and record who is responsible.
• Decide who signs as owner in the Portal (typically the association).
• Budget for QEM time; the incentive may offset it.
• Read Tier 2 for condo associations.