BPS Penalty Exposure Estimator

Estimate potential penalty exposure from emissions above a target using a simple, transparent model.

Educational only. Building performance standards vary by jurisdiction, calculation method, and enforcement rules. Use your applicable program rules and legal guidance.

Processed in-browser. Nothing is stored.

Inputs

$

Optional

$
$

To compare penalty vs fix

Results

Enter inputs and click Calculate

How to use this tool

  1. 1Enter actual annual emissions (tCO2e) for the building or covered scope.
  2. 2Enter target emissions (tCO2e) for the same scope/year.
  3. 3Enter a penalty rate ($ per tCO2e over target).
  4. 4Optionally enter an abatement cost estimate ($/tCO2e) to compare options.

What the results mean

This tool helps you frame decisions with transparent math. It does not replace jurisdiction-specific compliance interpretation.

Even if penalty is "cheaper," abatement can provide: operating cost reduction, resilience improvements, reputational benefits, and reduced future compliance risk.

Common pitfalls

  • Using emissions and targets from mismatched boundaries (different meters/sites)
  • Ignoring how the jurisdiction defines penalties (intensity vs absolute, per sq ft, etc.)
  • Treating penalties as the only cost (some programs have additional requirements)
  • Not maintaining evidence and QA for the emissions input

Change log

v1.0 (2026-01): Latest release