Seattle Building Tune-Ups is a progressive energy efficiency policy that helps building owners identify smart, responsible ways to reduce energy and water costs. Like cars and bikes, all buildings need to be tuned regularly to keep them running as efficiently as possible. Through tune-ups, building owners find operational efficiencies and low- and no-cost fixes that improve building performance and on average can reduce building energy use 10-15%.
Benchmarking FAST FACTS:
- Upcoming Deadline: October 1, 2024 is the tune-up deadline for Cohort 2 buildings (100k-199k SF). The tune-up assessment as well as verification that all required corrective actions are complete must be submitted by this date.
- Note: The Building Tune-Ups policy will sunset after the completion of the 2nd cycle of required tune-ups.
- Tune-Up Submittals are Required via the Seattle Services Portal.
Tune-Up Specialist Training Required
The City of Seattle launched a required Tune-Up Specialist training to enhance Tune-Up outcomes. Developed by industry professionals with hands-on experience, the free training provides clarity on mandate requirements and highlights ways a Tune-Up aligns with the State’s Clean Building Performance Standard requirement. The training is pre-recorded, and takes less than five hours to complete. Tune-Up Specialists who have not yet completed the training must do so in order to submit 2nd Cycle Tune-Up Reports.
How to Comply
Ready to Get Started?
- All buildings with 50,000 square feet or more of nonresidential space (excluding parking) must comply with the Building Tune-Ups requirement every five years. For most buildings, this will require a tune-up. High performing buildings or buildings that have recently completed a tune-up equivalent project may be eligible for an alternative compliance pathway.
- All submittals must be done using the Seattle Services Portal. To submit a Tune-Up or Alternative Compliance request via the Seattle Services Portal, you will be required to enter a claim code that has been issued to the owner of record. Claim codes ensure the data collected is only visible to those who are authorized to access Tune-Up details. If you need help accessing your claim code, send an email to BuildingTuneUps@seattle.gov.
Tune-Up Your Building
Building Tune-Ups are assessments of building systems to detect and correct operational or maintenance problems. Tune-Ups must be conducted by a qualified Tune-Up Specialist and include the following steps:
Report to the City. The Tune-Up Specialist must complete the Seattle Building Tune-Ups Summary Report, review with the building owner, and submit to the City.
Find a Qualified Tune-Up Specialist. A Tune-Up Specialist is a building energy professional with seven years of experience in energy management and one of several training or certification programs.
Conduct a Building Assessment. The Tune-Up Specialist will assess building systems and operations, review benchmarking data, and review water bills.
Identify Corrective Actions. The Tune-Up Specialist will identify required operational and maintenance improvements to the building and submit to the building owner.
Implement Corrective Actions. The building owner and Tune-Up Specialist will work to address all required corrective actions identified in the building assessment.
Verify Changes. The Tune-Up Specialist will verify that all corrected equipment and systems are functioning as intended.