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2022 Energy Benchmarking Best Practices & Evolving Requirements
Navigating the Energy Benchmarking World
As of the start of 2022, ENERGY STAR’s website reflects over 40 different existing Energy Benchmark programs in the United States. With 40+ Energy programs nationwide, it can feel like you’re in a maze trying to identify and meet your building’s specific requirements. When it comes to determining your exact Energy Benchmark program there are three common details you’ll need to know: location, property type, and size. Once you’ve taken those three factors into account, you’ll know if you’re required to file, to whom, and by when.
First up, location. It is important to note that in a single state, there can be both local and statewide Energy Benchmark programs. In most cases where there is a city and state program, the city’s program will take priority over the state’s program. Only in some cases will the state’s Benchmark precede over the cities. Two common reasons this can occur is either the city has not yet added the property to their program, or the building meets the state’s requirements but not the city’s. The following is a list of all existing state programs and whether there is also a local Energy Benchmark programs as well*:
State | City |
Alabama | No |
California | Yes |
Colorado | Yes |
Connecticut | Yes |
Delaware | No |
Michigan | No |
New Jersey | No |
New Mexico | No |
New York | Yes |
Ohio | Yes |
Oregon | Yes |
Pennsylvania | Yes |
Texas | Yes |
Virginia | No |
Washington | Yes |
West Virginia | Yes |
*Note: Again, the above list is not a comprehensive list of all existing Energy Benchmark programs in the U.S. It is just a list of programs where both state and local programs exist. There are local programs that do not have programs at the state level.
As each Benchmark program is different, knowing the gross floor area (GFA sq. ft.) and property type will further narrow down your requirements. Some Benchmark programs apply to all properties over a certain GFA, while others are only applicable to certain property types such as commercial and/or multifamily. Once you’ve determined your local and/or state program, you’ll want to see if those programs apply to your property type. If it does, then you will use your building’s GFA as the deciding factor. Typically, the local and state programs will have slightly different GFA requirements with local programs having lower GFA (sq. ft.) requirements. This helps make differentiating between the two programs easier for building owners. This doesn’t mean that all local and state programs will have different minimum GFA requirements – there are some with the same size requirements. As previously mentioned, when this occurs your property will most likely file to its local Energy Benchmark program unless the local level does not pertain to your property type (i.e., manufacturing) or has not yet added your building to their list.
Knowing your deadline requirements doesn’t necessarily mean filing will be straightforward. With over 10 years of experience filing, our experts have seen our fair share of common mistakes by building owners trying to file on their own. This is especially the case when there is no prior knowledge of Energy Benchmarks and in new and upcoming programs. Let Vert Energy Group help you. On March 15th at 10 am PST, we are offering a group webinar session for building owners and property managers to learn more about the various nationwide Energy Benchmark requirements. During the session, you’ll get a crash course on Benchmarking requirements and pitfalls, get answers to all your pressing questions, and see just how easy filing can be when working with us. Spots are limited so you’ll want to act fast. Click here to claim a spot before they’re all gone.
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing” – Walt Disney
Upcoming 2022 Energy Benchmark Deadlines

City |
Deadline |
San Francisco Existing Commercial Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance (SF EBO) |
April 1, 2022 |
Washington Clean & Affordable Energy Act of 2008 (Washington, DC) |
April 1, 2022 |
Washington State Senate Bill 5854 (SB5854) |
April 1, 2022 |
May Deadlines |
|
City |
Deadline |
Cambridge Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance |
May 1, 2022 |
Kansas City Energy Empowerment Ordinance |
May 1, 2022 |
New York City Local Law 84 (NYC LL84) |
May 1, 2022 |
Orlando Building Energy & Water Efficiency Strategy (Ordinance 2016-64) |
May 1, 2022 |
Portland Energy & Water Use Performance Benchmarking Ordinance (Maine) |
May 1, 2022 |
Saint Louis Building Energy Awareness Bill |
May 1, 2022 |
Salt Lake City Elevate Buildings |
May 1, 2022 |
San Jose Energy & Water Building Performance Ordinance (SJ BPO) |
May 1, 2022 |
Boston Energy Reporting & Disclosure Ordinance |
May 15, 2022 |
Chula Vista Building Energy Saving Ordinance |
May 20, 2022 |
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Fun Fact: Leprechauns may be associated with Saint Patrick’s Day, but they have their own holiday – Leprechaun Day – which falls on May 13th each year.
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Danielle’s Corner
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month In 1987, President Ronald Regan proclaimed that March would be Developmental Disabilities (DD) Awareness Month. According to the CDC, developmental disabilities include – but are not limited to – ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, hearing loss and/or vision impairment, intellectual and/or learning disability, and other developmental delays. In the U.S. alone, it is estimated that “one in six, or about 17%, of children” between 3-17 years old have developmental disabilities. To help raise awareness surrounding the American developmental disabilities community the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), and the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) spearhead a joint social media campaign each March. Through the campaign, the organizations work to highlight the communities needs and potential contributions. The imagery for 2022’s campaign features artwork from individuals in the developmental disabilities community while the actual campaign shares stories from those with and without disabilities and their experiences. While it’s already the end of the month, it’s not too late to view this year’s submissions. Head on over to NACDD’s Facebook or twitter – both @NACDD – or search the following #DDawareness2022, #DDAM2022, or #WorldsImagined to see all the amazing stories.
Search by Zip to Find Applicable Energy Laws
There are over 30 cities/states with Energy Benchmark requirements - 16 have Energy Audit requirements as well! Use this free tool to check if your building has an upcoming Energy Benchmark or Energy Audit deadline.
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