Maryland BEPS & Energy Benchmarking Compliance
If you’re here, chances are you recently received a postcard from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) stating that your building must comply with the state’s new Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS). The first step in that process is benchmarking (mandatory reporting of your building’s energy and water data), which is due by September 1, 2025.
This extended deadline applies only for the first year. Starting in 2026, benchmarking reports will be due annually by June 1st.
If your building is over 35,000 square feet, it’s likely on the Covered Building List and required to comply. Not sure if your property qualifies, or think you received the postcard by mistake? We can help confirm your building’s status and, if needed, submit the exemption or correction form on your behalf.
Benchmarking gives the state the tools to identify inefficient buildings and tailor policies like BEPS to improve performance and cut emissions. It’s a key part of Maryland’s plan to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 — and it’s now a legal requirement.
Annual Deadline:
June 1st
Ensure BEPS Compliance with Ease
Don’t let the complexities of Maryland’s BEPS and benchmarking requirements stress you out — we make compliance seamless. Once you sign an agreement, we take it from there. You’ll just complete a short building survey and send over a few utility bills or meter photos.
From that point on, we handle everything: setup, reporting, communication with MDE, and any questions that may come up. Our team has benchmarked hundreds of buildings across the DMV, and we’ll ensure yours is fully compliant well before the deadline — no headaches, no missed steps.
All you do is wait for a confirmation email from us that your building is compliant.
Why Choose Us?
When you benchmark with Honeydew, you’re not just checking a compliance box — you’re joining the Honeydew Network, giving you direct access to your own personal energy consultant and year-round support.
Here’s what that means for you:
- Hands-off benchmarking — we handle all Energy Star Portfolio Manager setup, reporting, and MDE communication
- Ongoing monitoring of your energy data to catch issues early
- Friendly alerts if usage spikes or anomalies show up in your data
- Tailored guidance on where your building stands in relation to Maryland’s BEPS requirements
- Help coordinating RFPs for energy upgrades, solar installations or conservation measures
- Direct access to our team year-round — not just during reporting season
Join the hundreds of buildings already in the Honeydew Network and experience what true energy support feels like.
Credentials & Advantages
- Certified Energy Manager (CEM) Certified
- Energy Star Partner
- Based in Maryland
- Experience across dozens of municipalities
- Close collaboration with MDE staff
- Proven track record of timely report submissions
- Transparent Competitive Fees
Energy Benchmarking Reporting
Benchmarking data must be entered through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, a platform provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The following building details are required:
- Property type
- Gross floor area
- Number of occupants
- Appliance and equipment information
- Hours of operation
- Other relevant property attributes
Portfolio Manager uses this information to calculate your building’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions score, and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) uses that score to determine whether your building meets the current BEPS standard.
Looking ahead, MDE may incorporate Energy Use Intensity (EUI) — a measure of energy use per square foot — as either a replacement for GHG or a second compliance metric alongside it.
More details are expected soon. Follow our blog to stay informed as the policy evolves.
What Comes After Benchmarking?
Benchmarking is just the beginning. The energy and emissions data reported in 2025 will be used by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to identify buildings that are not meeting performance expectations under the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022.
Starting in 2025, Maryland’s Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) will apply to commercial, multifamily, and certain state-owned buildings that are 35,000 square feet or larger. Covered buildings will be assigned a standard GHG emissions target — and those that do not meet it will be required to make improvements during a five-year compliance cycle.
Benchmarking will continue annually to track progress toward meeting those targets. Buildings that fail to comply by the end of their cycle may face financial penalties and additional oversight.
Note: K–12 schools, manufacturing facilities, hospitals / medical facilities, and agricultural buildings are exempt from the first compliance cycle, though this may change in future years.
The BEPS regulations are still being finalized, and more guidance is expected soon — including whether Energy Use Intensity (EUI) will be added as a second compliance metric alongside GHG emissions.
Stay informed by subscribing to our blog, where we post timely updates as soon as new regulations are released.
Required Benchmarking Verifications Every 5 Years
To ensure accuracy, building owners must hire a qualified third-party verifier to review and confirm their benchmarking data every five years. This requirement applies to the following reporting years:
- 2025 (verification due with the 2026 report)
- 2030 (verification due with the 2031 report)
- 2035 (verification due with the 2036 report)
- 2040 (verification due with the 2041 report)
- And every five years thereafter
Work with Us!
If you’re a property manager, multifamily building owner, condo association board member, or commercial real estate professional in Maryland, you’re in the right place.
At Honeydew Energy Advisors, we take the stress and confusion out of Maryland’s energy benchmarking and BEPS compliance requirements. We’ve helped hundreds of commercial and multifamily properties across the state submit clean, accurate benchmarking reports — on time, every time — and we know exactly what it takes to stay compliant under MDE BEPS.
From the moment you sign up, we handle everything — setup, utility data, communication with MDE, and annual submissions. You don’t lift a finger. And as part of the Honeydew Network, you get far more than benchmarking:
- Ongoing monitoring of your building’s energy data
- Alerts about usage spikes or irregularities
- Personalized BEPS guidance and support
- Help coordinating RFPs for energy improvements
- A trusted energy partner you can reach any time
This isn’t just compliance — this is protection, strategy, and peace of mind.
Don’t wait until the last minute — work with Maryland’s go-to experts for energy benchmarking and BEPS support.
Testimonials
What Our Energy Benchmarking Clients Are Saying
“The Honeydew team deals with something on a daily basis that everyone wishes they had time to learn and understand: navigating the complex world of energy regulation and helping make properties more energy efficient. Benchmarking lies at the foundation of this process and they have streamlined these once daunting tasks greatly for the 50+ properties we manage that are subject to these requirements.”
“When it comes to energy and utility issues for our property management company, Honeydew are our go to guys. They currently provide benchmarking services for more than a hundred of the communities we manage. Despite some challenging cases, we have had no issues filing the reports in on time with 100% accuracy.”
“It is a pleasure working with the Honeydew Energy Advisors Team. They are excellent at all things benchmarking and very quick to respond to any concerns.”
“Easy to work with and always professional. They make the benchmarking process a walk in the park. Highly recommend them!”