Atlanta Building Performance Standards: What Businesses Need to Know

Understanding Atlanta’s Building Performance Standards (BPS)

The City of Atlanta has committed to achieving a 100% clean energy transition by 2035, making it one of the leading U.S. cities in energy efficiency and sustainability efforts. A key part of this commitment is the Building Performance Standards (BPS) policy, which establishes mandatory energy and emissions targets for commercial and multifamily buildings.

For businesses and property owners, compliance is not just about following the law it’s an opportunity to reduce energy costs, improve building performance, and contribute to the city’s climate goals.

Who Must Comply Atlanta's Building Performance Standards?

Atlanta’s BPS applies to commercial and multifamily buildings that meet specific criteria. The standards require these properties to achieve certain energy use intensity (EUI) targets and greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions within defined timeframes. While the exact threshold for covered buildings varies, large commercial and residential properties are the primary focus.

Building owners should check whether their property falls within the scope of the policy and start planning for compliance now to avoid penalties.

Key Compliance Requirements

Atlanta’s BPS sets performance targets and compliance deadlines, including:

• Energy Efficiency: Buildings must reduce overall energy consumption, typically measured in energy use per square foot.
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions: Properties must decrease their carbon footprint by phasing out fossil fuel-based energy sources.
• Electrification: Transitioning building systems from natural gas to electric alternatives is encouraged or required in some cases.
• Renewable Energy Adoption: On-site solar, purchasing clean energy, or participating in community solar programs can help meet compliance targets.
• Water Efficiency: Some regulations include water conservation measures to reduce waste and improve sustainability.

Compliance Deadlines & Phases

The policy follows a phased approach, giving building owners time to meet targets while ensuring steady progress toward Atlanta’s clean energy goals.

• Interim compliance deadlines (e.g., 2030, 2040) require incremental improvements.
• Final targets (e.g., 2050) ensure all buildings achieve full compliance.
• Alternative compliance pathways may be available, such as energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy purchases, or participation in verified energy management programs.
• Penalties apply to properties that fail to meet deadlines, with potential fines or mandatory corrective actions.

How Businesses Can Achieve Compliance

1. Conduct An Energy Audit

Start by assessing your building’s current energy performance. Energy audits identify inefficiencies, such as outdated HVAC systems, poor insulation, or excessive lighting use. Analyzing this data helps prioritize upgrades that deliver the most significant cost savings and compliance benefits.

2. Implement Energy Efficiency Measures

Once inefficiencies are identified, taking action is crucial. High-impact strategies include:

• Upgrading to smart HVAC and lighting systems.
• Installing building automation controls to optimize energy use.
• Improving insulation and window efficiency.
• Switching to LED lighting and motion sensors.

3. Transition To Clean Energy Sources

Meeting Atlanta’s BPS targets often requires shifting from fossil fuel-based energy to renewable sources. Businesses can:

• Install on-site solar panels to generate clean electricity.
• Participate in utility green energy programs or purchase renewable energy credits (RECs).
• Explore battery storage solutions to enhance energy resilience.

4. Electrify Building Systems

Electrification is key to reducing direct building emissions. Businesses should consider:

• Replacing gas-powered heating with high-efficiency electric heat pumps.
• Using induction cooktops in commercial kitchens instead of gas stoves.
• Converting water heating systems to electric alternatives.

5. Leverage Demand Response Programs

Atlanta’s BPS encourages participation in demand response programs, which help balance the grid during peak demand periods. Buildings that adjust energy use in response to grid conditions can reduce costs and earn incentives from utility providers.

Financial Incentives & Support For Compliance

The cost of compliance can be a concern, but Atlanta offers several programs to help businesses manage expenses:

• Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Financing: Allows businesses to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects through property tax assessments.
• Federal & State Tax Credits: Available for energy-efficient equipment upgrades and renewable energy installations.
• Georgia Power Incentive Programs: Rebates for businesses that improve energy efficiency or install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

Building owners should explore these incentives to offset upgrade costs and accelerate compliance efforts.

Why Compliance Matters For Businesses

Beyond regulatory requirements, meeting Atlanta’s BPS standards offers substantial benefits:

• Lower Operating Costs: Energy-efficient buildings save on electricity and heating expenses.
• Enhanced Property Value: Compliant buildings are more attractive to tenants, buyers, and investors.
• Regulatory Risk Avoidance: Avoid fines, penalties, and costly retrofits by acting early.
• Sustainability & Brand Image: Businesses demonstrating environmental leadership can strengthen their reputation and appeal to eco-conscious customers.

What’s Next For Atlanta's Businesses?

For businesses in Atlanta, the time to act is now. With compliance deadlines approaching, building owners should evaluate their energy use, implement efficiency measures, and explore clean energy solutions.

Staying ahead of regulatory changes ensures that businesses avoid penalties while benefiting from lower energy costs and improved sustainability. By taking proactive steps today, Atlanta’s commercial and multifamily buildings can help shape a cleaner, more resilient future.