BEPP | What Commercial Building Owners Need to Know

Navigating Mandatory Tune-Up Requirements

The City of Philadelphia’s Building Energy Performance Program (BEPP) — also known as the Building Tune-Up Policy — is a mandatory energy and water efficiency ordinance designed to improve the performance of large non-residential buildings. While enforcement has varied since its rollout, compliance is legally required. As a result, building owners remain responsible for meeting tune-up deadlines and avoiding accumulating penalties.

For owners and managers of commercial buildings in Philadelphia, understanding BEPP requirements and acting on them proactively can help reduce regulatory risk, uncover operational savings, and position properties for long-term performance and marketability.

Hillmann is an approved BEPP Tune-Up Specialist with deep expertise in commercial building systems and regulatory compliance. We support building owners and asset managers through every stage of BEPP compliance with practical, informed, and cost-effective solutions.

What Is the Philadelphia BEPP?

The Building Energy Performance Program (BEPP) applies to non-residential buildings in Philadelphia that are 50,000 square feet or larger. In practice, covered buildings must comply with BEPP requirements on a recurring five-year cycle.

To remain compliant, owners must meet one of the following compliance pathways:

• Complete a building tune-up performed by an approved specialist
• Certify that the building qualifies as a high-performance building
• Qualify for an approved exemption

The purpose of BEPP is to improve energy and water efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance tenant comfort, and encourage better operational practices across Philadelphia’s commercial building stock.

Key BEPP Requirements for Commercial Buildings

Commercial buildings subject to BEPP must comply with the following core requirements:

• Applies to non-residential buildings ≥ 50,000 sq. ft.
• Tune-ups must be completed every five (5) years
• Tune-ups must be performed by an approved BEPP Tune-Up Specialist
• Required documentation must be submitted to the City of Philadelphia
• Failure to comply can result in fines (e.g., $2,000 plus $500 per day past the compliance deadline)

Building owners are responsible for ensuring that required tune-ups and submissions are completed accurately and on time.

Why BEPP Compliance Matters

BEPP compliance is not optional. Beyond regulatory risk, tune-ups often uncover meaningful operational benefits, such as:

• Reduced Regulatory Risk – Non-compliance can result in financial penalties and increased scrutiny during refinancing, sales, or due diligence events. Proactive compliance reduces exposure to fines and future enforcement actions.
• Improved Building Performance – Tune-ups frequently identify low- or no-cost operational improvements related to HVAC systems, controls, lighting, and scheduling. These improvements can yield measurable reductions in energy and water consumption.
• Enhance Asset Value and Marketability – Energy-efficient, well-maintained buildings are more attractive to tenants, investors, and lenders. BEPP compliance supports sustainability reporting, ESG goals, and long-term asset performance.

Hillmann | Your Trusted BEPP Compliance Partner

Hillmann is an approved BEPP Tune-Up Specialist with extensive experience evaluating and optimizing commercial building systems. Our team delivers practical, compliance-focused support tailored to each building’s systems, operations, and ownership objectives.

Hillmann provides end-to-end BEPP compliance services for commercial building owners, property managers, and asset managers, including:

• Tune-Up Assessment & Reporting – Comprehensive evaluation of base building systems, including:
  • HVAC systems
  • Lighting systems
  • Water systems
  • Building controls
  • Operational practices

Hillmann conducts assessments using the City of Philadelphia’s official Tune-Up Workbook and reporting framework.

• Corrective Action Planning – We identify and prioritize operational improvements that:
  • Satisfy BEPP requirements
  • Improve system performance
  • Reduce energy and water use
  • Enhance occupant comfort

Our recommendations are practical, cost-conscious, and aligned with building operations.

• Submission & Certification Support – Hillmann prepares and submits all required documentation to the City of Philadelphia Office of Sustainability. An approved BEPP Tune-Up Specialist signs all required submissions.
• Deadline Management – We provide proactive compliance scheduling, milestone tracking, and deadline planning to help ensure:
  • Timely BEPP submissions
  • Accurate documentation
  • Avoidance of penalties

• Alternative Compliance & Exemptions – For qualifying properties, we provide guidance on:
  • High-performance compliance pathways
  • Applicable exemptions
  • Documentation requirements

Who We Serve & Why Partner With Hillmann

Hillmann supports Philadelphia BEPP compliance for a wide range of commercial real estate stakeholders, including:

• Commercial Building Owners
• Property Management Firms
• Rel Estate Investors
• Asset Managers
• Lenders and Developers

Our services are well suited for office, mixed-use, retail, industrial, healthcare, and institutional properties subject to BEPP requirements.

Why Partner With Hillmann?

• Hillmann is an Approved BEPP Tune-Up Specialist.
• Hillmann has a deep expertise in commercial building systems and operations.
• Hillmann has Philadelphia-specific regulatory knowledge and compliance experience.
• Hillmann is a trusted advisor to building owners and real estate stakeholders nationwide.

Ultimately, BEPP compliance is about more than meeting a regulatory requirement. When approached proactively, tune-ups help owners better understand building performance, identify operational improvements, and reduce long-term risk. At the same time, early planning allows building owners to avoid last-minute deadlines and unnecessary penalties. Contact Hillmann Today

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Building owners should consult qualified professionals regarding their specific compliance obligations.

Resources: The City of Philadelphia’s Building Energy Performance Program (BEPP)