Measuring Policy Impact

Over 30 U.S. cities have enacted building performance standards (BPS) targeting existing buildings, the largest source of urban emissions. These policies move beyond voluntary programs to mandate emissions reductions of 40-80% by 2030-2050. Early data from NYC (LL97), DC (BEPS), Seattle, and Boston shows compliance costs of $120-280/sf for deep retrofits, with payback periods of 12-25 years but dramatic emissions reductions achieving 50-70% cuts from baseline.