Directs the office of energy resources to develop building performance standards for large buildings in Rhode Island that would cause greenhouse gas emissions to decline in line with the act on climate requirements.

Rhode Island Building Performance Standards Act of 2026

This bill directs Rhode Island's Office of Energy Resources to create performance standards for large buildings in the state, with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from those buildings over time. The standards would be designed to align with Rhode Island's existing "Act on Climate" law, which sets targets for the state to reduce its overall greenhouse gas emissions. Essentially, the bill establishes a framework requiring large buildings to become cleaner and more energy-efficient on a timeline consistent with the state's broader climate goals.

The bill would primarily affect owners and operators of large buildings — such as large commercial properties, office buildings, or multi-unit residential complexes — who would need to meet these new performance standards as they are developed and implemented. Smaller buildings and private homes would not be directly impacted. Building owners may need to make investments in upgrades like improved insulation, heating and cooling systems, or other energy-efficient technologies to comply with the standards once finalized.

It is important to note that this bill, as described, directs the Office of Energy Resources to *develop* the standards rather than immediately imposing specific requirements. The actual rules and deadlines for buildings would come later through that development process. The bill has been introduced and referred to the Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee, meaning it is still in the early stages of the legislative process and has not yet become law.