Frequently asked questions.

Washington's Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS) applies to most commercial buildings over 50,000 square feet (Tier 1). Tier 1 compliance is staggered by size: buildings over 220,000 sq ft were due June 1, 2026, 90,001 to 220,000 sq ft are due June 1, 2027, and 50,001 to 90,000 sq ft June 1, 2028. Tier 2 buildings (20,001 to 50,000 sq ft, plus multifamily over 20,000 sq ft) begin reporting July 1, 2027.

Oregon's Building Performance Standard (HB 3409) applies energy performance targets to commercial and hotel/motel buildings 35,000 square feet and larger. Tier 1 compliance deadlines are staggered by size: 200,000+ sq ft by June 1, 2028, 90,000 to 199,999 sq ft by June 1, 2029, and 35,000 to 89,999 sq ft by June 1, 2030. Smaller Tier 2 buildings begin data reporting July 1, 2028. Benchmarking in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager now sets the baseline before the first deadline.

Idaho Power runs two distinct programs. Its detailed energy assessment reimburses commercial and industrial customers 75% of the audit cost, up to $12,500, for a qualifying ASHRAE Level 2 audit (eligible rate schedules 9P, 19P, and special contracts; 9S case-by-case). Separately, its custom project incentive covers the lesser of $0.20 per kWh saved per year or 70% of eligible project cost for the efficiency upgrades the audit identifies. The audit must be performed by a qualified energy professional and submitted through Idaho Power's process.

An ASHRAE Level 2 energy audit is a comprehensive, on-site assessment of a building's energy systems. It identifies specific energy conservation measures with estimated costs, savings, and paybacks. Level 2 audits are required for compliance with most state Building Performance Standards and for many utility incentive programs.

In most cases, yes. ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager benchmarking is the foundational first step for nearly every building performance standard, including Washington and Oregon, and for many utility incentive programs. It uses at least 12 months of utility data to produce a weather-normalized Energy Use Intensity (EUI) and, where eligible, a 1 to 100 ENERGY STAR score, which together determine your compliance gap and the right path forward.

It depends on the ASHRAE audit level, the size of the building, and how complex its systems are, so I quote each audit as a written scope and fee once I know the facility. An ASHRAE Level 2 audit, which most compliance and utility incentive programs require, is the usual starting point. For eligible projects, incentives can offset part of the cost: Idaho Power reimburses 75% of a qualifying detailed assessment (up to $12,500), and Washington and Oregon offer early-adopter incentives that help cover audit-identified measures.

It depends on the work. Assessments, compliance plans, and incentive applications are a defined project fee agreed before work starts. Ongoing monitoring and energy management carry a recurring fee. Where a project's economics support it, part of the fee can be tied to the savings or project value the work creates. That is an alignment of incentives, not a guarantee of savings, and not every engagement uses it.

Then I'll say so. Not every measure deserves capital, and not every incentive changes the economics enough to matter. Part of the work is separating what is possible from what is worth pursuing, including operational changes that need no capital at all.

Pathline Foundry serves commercial, industrial, institutional, and public-sector organizations throughout Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Work elsewhere may be considered based on facility needs, project scope, and opportunities for remote or partner-supported delivery.