Washington Clean Buildings · Tier 2 guide
Tier 2 Early Adopter Incentive: how much is left and who may qualify
Washington set aside $150 million to encourage Tier 2 owners to comply early. As of Sept 24, 2026, most of that money is still available—but it is first-come, not guaranteed.
How much funding is left?
As of Sept 24, 2026, per Commerce, nearly $11.8 million in incentives had been awarded to Tier 2 owners certified as compliant, utilities had paid over $6 million, and over $138 million of the $150 million program remained. Commerce updates these figures on its page; check the source for the latest number.
Who may qualify
Tier 2 covered buildings (generally 20,000–50,001 sq ft, including multifamily over 20,000 sq ft) that submit compliant benchmarking, identify an energy use intensity target (EUIt), and develop and implement an energy management plan and operations and maintenance program may qualify for the base incentive. Commerce reviews and approves applications. Nothing here guarantees payment for any building.
How much per square foot?
- Base incentive: $0.30 per sq ft of gross floor area, excluding parking, unconditioned or semi-conditioned space.
- Enhanced for multifamily: owners who rent to residential tenants and sign Commerce's Anti-Displacement Agreement may be eligible for up to $0.75 per sq ft or the listed cost of compliance, whichever is lower. If the estimated cost of compliance is below the $0.30 base, Commerce calculates at the base rate.
Worked example (estimate only): a 30,000 sq ft building at the $0.30 base rate could receive about $9,000, if funds remain, the utility participates and Commerce approves the application. Commerce calculates the actual amount.
Who applies, and who pays?
- The owner or QEM applies through the Clean Buildings Portal, typically with the compliance submission. Commerce asks for incentive applications with compliance by July 1, 2027.
- Participating utilities pay owners directly after Commerce approves. Payments are first-come, first-served and may be reduced or delayed to match a utility's ability to pay. Owners may need to give the utility a W-9.
- Evergreen Compliance prepares draft documents only. We do not submit applications, act as your QEM, or guarantee incentive payments. Our fee does not depend on whether you receive an incentive.
Why timing matters
Funding is first-come. Commerce itself notes that complying early can help ensure incentives are still available. Collecting 12 months of utility data, building an equipment inventory and getting your QEM's review all take time before you can file.
For the deadline, penalties and the rest of the Tier 2 package, see Deadline, penalties and incentive. Not sure if your building is covered? Start with Is my building Tier 2?
Quick answers
How much Tier 2 Early Adopter Incentive funding is left?
As of Sept 24, 2026, Commerce reports over $138 million of the $150 million program remains. About $11.8 million had been awarded. Figures change; check Commerce for the latest.
How much is the incentive per building?
The base rate is $0.30 per sq ft. Multifamily owners who sign the Anti-Displacement Agreement may get up to $0.75 per sq ft or the listed cost of compliance, whichever is lower. A 30,000 sq ft building could receive about $9,000 at the base rate if approved. Amounts are not guaranteed.
Who applies and who pays?
The building owner or Qualified Energy Manager applies through the Clean Buildings Portal. Commerce reviews and approves. Participating utilities pay owners directly, first come, first served. We prepare draft documents only; we do not apply for or guarantee the incentive.
When should I apply?
Commerce asks for the incentive application with the Tier 2 compliance submission by July 1, 2027. Funding is first-come, so earlier applications may have a better chance while funds remain.
Official sources
Want an incentive estimate for your building?
Send us a building name or address and we'll reply with a free one-page Building Snapshot: our preliminary assessment of likely Tier 2 status from public information (for the owner or QEM to confirm), the deadline, the potential maximum penalty, an incentive estimate and a to‑do list. If you go ahead, we prepare draft documents on Commerce's templates for your QEM to review, revise, approve and submit.