Collectively, these cases studies illustrate the range of metrics that can be employed or utilized in a Building Performance Standard (BPS). Covered material includes how different jurisdictions have implemented these metrics in an effort to help New Jersey’s policymakers evaluate which approach may best support cost-effective energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions, grid resilience, and New Jersey’s climate and energy goals.

Introduction

The choice of metric is a critical and challenging step when considering BPS policies. As of September 2025, 15 jurisdictions have enacted BPS policies and at least 30 are in development. Their scope is to reduce energy and GHG emissions from existing large commercial and multifamily buildings and various BPS seek to address both energy efficiency improvements and the transition from fossil fuel systems to efficient electric technologies. To help New Jersey identify metrics for use in a potential BPS, Rutgers Center for Urban Policy Research (CUPR) conducted an extensive literature review with results presented below.

Cases: Washington, D.C.; New York, NY; Boston, MA; Maryland, Washington, and Colorado were selected as case studies as they represent the states with BPS policies currently in effect and include East Coast cities with regional relevance to New Jersey.