Quick answer · as of
Is that Clean Buildings letter really from Commerce?
Maybe not. Commerce warns that some owners have received letters, robocalls and marketing materials that look like they come from Commerce or its Clean Buildings team but are misleading or wrong (Commerce CBPS page). If something looks off, email buildings@commerce.wa.gov before you pay or sign anything. Commerce will tell you whether it's real.
Washington Clean Buildings Tier 2, explained in 60 seconds · 1:05 · Transcript
Did you get a letter from the state about Clean Buildings? Most owners did, in July 2025.
It means your building falls under Washington's Clean Buildings law. That's called Tier 2.
It covers commercial buildings over 20,000 and up to 50,000 square feet, and apartment buildings over 20,000.
By July 1, 2027, you have to file an energy benchmark and two plans with the state Department of Commerce.
Miss it, and the fine can reach 30 cents per square foot.
File early, and the state pays you that same 30 cents. That's up to 9,000 dollars on a 30,000 square foot building.
As of November 2026, only about one in thirteen buildings has filed.
Tier Two Partners files it all for you, usually in two to four weeks.
Check yours today. Get a free quote, or book a call with us to learn more, at tiertwopartners.com.
What are the red flags in a Tier 2 notice?
Watch for any of these:
- It says you're already in violation. The Tier 2 deadline is July 1, 2027. Before that date no Tier 2 building can be late. After it, Commerce sends a notice of violation and gives you at least 30 days to file, and filing in that time waives the fine (WAC 194-50-160).
- It quotes the wrong fine. The Tier 2 fine is up to $0.30 per square foot. Bigger figures come from the Tier 1 rules, which cover buildings over 50,000 sq ft of commercial space.
- It says you must hit an energy target or replace equipment. Tier 2 buildings must calculate an energy target and report it. They don't have to meet it yet (CBPS 030), so no one can tell you a new boiler is required to file.
- It asks for your Clean Buildings Portal password. Every signer uses their own Portal login (CBPS 017). A provider requests its own access as your authorized representative. It never needs your password.
- It pushes you to sign today. Real deadlines are published by Commerce, not set by a salesperson.
- It promises the incentive or says it comes from the sender. The early adopter incentive is paid by your utility from a limited state fund, first come, first served.
- It hides who sent it. No company name, no website, no price, only a phone number and a deadline.
What does Commerce actually send?
Commerce runs the program through its Clean Buildings Portal and announces news in its Clean Buildings Bulletin. Your building's record, its tier and its deadline are in the Portal. If a notice disagrees with what the Portal shows, trust the Portal and ask Commerce.
How do you check a Tier 2 provider before you sign?
Ask any provider, us included, these five questions:
- What's the price, in writing, before I sign? It should be a number, not "it depends".
- Who is the Qualified Energy Manager? A Tier 2 filing needs a Qualified Energy Manager's signature. A real provider names one.
- Do you need my Portal password? The answer should be no.
- Do I owe the fee if the incentive doesn't pay? Know the answer before you sign.
- Are you Commerce? No provider is. Anyone who suggests otherwise is a red flag.
How do you check Tier Two Partners?
Our prices are on our home page and every building gets a quote before you sign. Our fee is owed for the filing we do, whether or not your utility pays the incentive, and we tell you that before you sign. A Qualified Energy Manager reviews and signs every filing. We never ask for your Portal password: you sign a one-page authorization and we request our own access from Commerce. We are not affiliated with the Washington State Department of Commerce, and you can always email Commerce to confirm what your building needs. Our full process is in the Tier 2 deadline guide.