Pathway 3.

Energy Efficiency, Conservation, and Fuel Switching in Buildings and Industry → New Buildings

3.2.13 Energy Use Benchmarking and Auditing

LPDD Recommendation: “Local legislative bodies should require energy use disclosures for larger commercial buildings (e.g., buildings larger than 50,000 square feet and multifamily buildings), and require benchmarking information to be made publicly available in a format that is easy to understand so that it can be readily used in rental and purchase decisions.”

22 Resources Found, Displaying 1 thru 10

Model Ordinance Language and Decision Framework for Improving the Performance of Existing Buildings

Jurisdiction: Local Governments

Presents sample language and a decision framework that can be used in drafting a comprehensive existing building performance policy that encompasses provisions for benchmarking, as well as additional actions beyond benchmarking.

NYC’s Benchmarking, Auditing, and Retrocommissioning Requirements

Jurisdiction: Local Governments

NYC Local Laws 133, 33, and 87 establish benchmarking, auditing, and retrocommissioning requirements for city buildings.

Columbus Benchmarking Ordinance (2020)

Jurisdiction: Local Governments

Including requiring building owners to report data on building size, energy usage and utility bills.

Salt Lake City Energy Benchmarking & Transparency Ordinance

Jurisdiction: Local Governments

Requires all commercial buildings above 25,000 square feet to benchmark and report their energy consumption.

Washington’s State Energy Benchmark Law

Jurisdiction: States and State Governments

In addition to benchmarking requirements for private buildings, Washington’s State Energy Benchmark Law (2009) put in place strict requirements for public buildings, including mandatory investment-grade energy audits.

Seattle’s Building Energy Benchmarking and Reporting Program

Jurisdiction: Local Governments

Requires benchmarking and "tune-ups" of nonresidential buildings greater than or equal to 50,000 gross square feet every five years.

San Jose’s Energy and Water Building Performance Ordinance

Jurisdiction: Local Governments

Requires benchmarking and auditing for buildings that do not meet performance standards.

San Francisco’s Existing Commercial Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance

Jurisdiction: Local Governments

Requires benchmarking, ASHRAE Level 2 energy audits every five years for commercial buildings over 50,000 sf, and ASHRAE Level 1 energy audits for buildings between 10,000 – 49,999 sf, with some exemptions.

Executive Order on Comprehensive Energy Management of Salt Lake City Facilities

Jurisdiction: Local Governments

In addition to benchmarking requirements, the Comprehensive Energy Management of Salt Lake City Facilities Executive Order (2015) requires further energy audits, retrocommissioning, building operator training, and occupant engagement.

Reno’s Energy and Water Efficiency Program

Jurisdiction: Local Governments

Requires that all buildings not receiving an Energy Star score of at least 50 must conduct an energy audit and retrocommissioning every seven years.