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  • How Using Energy Benchmarking Can Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

    How Using Energy Benchmarking Can Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

    One of the most important global challenges of our day is climate change. The built environment, which includes office buildings and homes, contributes to carbon emissions. According to the World Economic Forum, about 33% of the world’s carbon emissions come from energy used to power buildings. Therefore, lowering energy use in buildings is essential for climate change mitigation.  

    Energy benchmarking is a useful strategy for lowering building energy use. Energy benchmarking is assessing a building’s energy efficiency and contrasting it with that of comparable structures. This procedure identifies chances to boost energy efficiency and points up areas that need improvement.  

    In this article, we will look at the advantages of energy benchmarking and how it can lower your carbon footprint. We will talk about the benefits, which range from cost savings and higher effectiveness to better building performance and increased sustainability. Additionally, we will look at a few of the typical difficulties with energy benchmarking and offer workable answers to them. You will have a good knowledge of the significance of energy benchmarking and how to successfully apply it in your building by the conclusion of this essay.

    1. Understanding Energy Benchmarking 

    Comparing a building’s energy performance to a standard or set of standards is a procedure known as Energy Benchmarking. The procedure entails monitoring the energy usage of a facility and looking for areas that might be improved. Here are some more specifics:   

    How Energy Benchmarking Works 

    Energy benchmarking involves collecting data on a building’s energy usage, including electricity, gas, and water usage. The data is then compared to a set of standards or benchmarks to determine the building’s energy performance. Some of the common benchmarks used for energy benchmarking include:

    Once the energy performance is determined, building owners and managers can identify opportunities for improvement and develop a plan to reduce energy consumption.

    Types of Energy Benchmarking 

    There are several types of energy benchmarking, including: 

    • Whole building benchmarking 
    • Portfolio benchmarking
    • Targeted benchmarking

    Whole building benchmarking involves comparing the energy performance of an entire building to a set of standards. Portfolio benchmarking compares the energy performance of a group of buildings, while targeted benchmarking focuses on specific areas or systems within a building.

    Importance of Energy Benchmarking 

    Energy benchmarking is important because it enables building owners and managers to make informed decisions about energy usage, reduce energy waste, and save money. By benchmarking energy usage, building owners can: 

    • Identify areas of improvement 
    • Set energy performance goals 
    • Prioritize energy efficiency upgrades 
    • Track progress and measure results 

    Overall, energy benchmarking is a powerful tool that can help building owners and managers reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.

    2. How to Implement Energy Benchmarking 

    Energy Benchmarking - Common ChallengesEnergy benchmarking implementation calls for a systematic process that includes conducting energy audits, acquiring energy data, establishing performance targets, and pinpointing areas for improvement.  

    Conducting Energy Audits 

    Conducting an energy audit is the first step in implementing the energy benchmarking process. An energy audit involves evaluating a building’s energy use and identifying potential areas for improvement. The audit can be conducted by an energy consultant or performed in-house by building staff. 

    During an energy audit, the following steps are typically taken: 

    • Review of energy bills 
    • Walkthrough of the building to identify energy systems and usage 
    • Review of maintenance logs 
    • Interview with building staff to identify energy issues

    Gathering Energy Data 

    Gathering energy data is the second step in implementing the energy benchmarking process. Building owners and managers can gather energy data by: 

    • Collecting energy bills 
    • Installing sub-meters to track energy usage by the system or tenant
    • Implementing a building automation system to track energy usage in real-time

    The energy data should be collected regularly, such as monthly or quarterly, to ensure energy usage trends can be identified.

    Setting Performance Goals 

    Setting performance goals is the third step in implementing energy benchmarking. Performance goals should be based on industry standards and best practices. Some of the common performance goals include gaining either: 

    • Energy Star certification 
    • LEED certification 
    • Green Globes certification 

    The performance goals should be challenging yet achievable.

    Identifying Opportunities for Improvement 

    Identifying opportunities for improvement is the fourth step in implementing energy benchmarking. Building owners and managers can identify opportunities for improvement by: 

    • Analyzing energy data 
    • Conducting a cost-benefit analysis of potential upgrades 
    • Prioritizing upgrades based on cost and energy savings potential 

    Some of the areas for improvement include lighting, HVAC systems, and building envelopes. 

    3. Benefits of Energy Benchmarking 

    Energy benchmarking offers several benefits, including cost savings, increased efficiency, improved building performance, and enhanced sustainability. 

    Cost Savings 

    One of the most significant benefits of energy benchmarking is cost savings. By identifying areas for improvement and implementing energy efficiency upgrades, building owners and managers can reduce energy consumption and save money on energy costs. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), buildings that benchmark energy usage can save up to 7% annually on energy costs. 

    Increased Efficiency 

    By locating energy wastage, energy benchmarking also contributes to efficiency growth. Building owners and managers may decrease energy waste and boost the effectiveness of their building systems by adopting energy efficiency enhancements. This can therefore result in enhanced building performance and greater occupant comfort.

    Improved Building Performance 

    Building owners and managers may enhance the efficiency of their building systems by identifying potential areas for improvement and putting those improvements into practice. Numerous advantages may result from this, including better maintenance of building systems, enhanced occupant comfort, and improved indoor air quality. In the end, energy benchmarking may assist property owners and managers in improving the experience for their renters or residents while also lowering their carbon footprint and promoting a more sustainable future. 

    Enhanced Sustainability 

    Enhancing sustainability through energy benchmarking may be beneficial. Reduced energy use may help building owners and managers lower their carbon impact and advance a more sustainable future. Building managers and owners may increase the lifespan of building systems and encourage sustainable practices by installing energy efficiency modifications. These advantages can result in cost savings over the long run and better building performance in addition to having a favorable effect on the environment. In the end, energy benchmarking may assist building managers and owners in meaningfully influencing the future to be more resilient and sustainable. 

    4. Challenges of Energy Benchmarking 

    Energy Benchmarking Implementation - Vert Energy Group

    While there are many benefits to energy benchmarking, there are also some challenges that building owners and managers should be aware of. Some of the common challenges include:  

    Data Collection 

    Accurately gathering energy data can be a challenging task, particularly for buildings with multiple tenants or submeters. Collecting energy data can be time-consuming and expensive when dealing with renters or subcontractors, and building owners and managers may be required to address these challenges. 

    Fortunately, there are several solutions available to simplify the data collection process. For example, building owners and managers can invest in smart meters, which can automatically monitor and report energy usage data in real-time. Additionally, implementing energy management systems can provide a centralized platform for tracking energy consumption across multiple buildings and tenants. 

    Cost 

    While implementing energy benchmarking and energy efficiency upgrades can be beneficial for building performance and sustainability, they can also come with a significant price tag. Building owners and managers need to carefully consider the costs of upgrades against the potential energy savings to determine if the investment is worthwhile. 

    Fortunately, there are several financing options available to help building owners and managers implement energy efficiency upgrades without breaking the bank. For example, government grants and incentives may be available to support building upgrades, and energy service companies (ESCOs) can provide financing solutions to help offset upfront costs. 

    Lack of Expertise 

    Implementing energy benchmarking and energy efficiency upgrades requires a certain level of expertise in energy management and building systems. Building owners and managers may need to hire energy consultants or provide training for their staff to ensure that these practices are implemented effectively. 

    Expert energy consultants can provide valuable insights into building systems and energy usage patterns, helping building owners and managers identify areas for improvement and develop strategies for optimizing energy efficiency. In addition, providing staff training on energy-efficient practices can help ensure that building systems are used efficiently and that energy-saving opportunities are not missed. 

    Conclusion 

    In conclusion, energy benchmarking is a practical and effective way to reduce carbon footprint and improve building performance. By implementing energy benchmarking, building owners and managers can save money on energy costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Although challenges exist, the benefits of energy benchmarking outweigh the costs, making it a worthwhile investment. We encourage building owners and managers to embrace energy benchmarking and make a positive impact on the environment. 

    If you are looking for an Energy Benchmark expert for your property, contact us at VertPro.com! We are an award-winning Energy Benchmarking and Audit Consultancy, recognized on Inc. 5000, providing innovative SaaS technology-based solutions for Building Owners & Property Managers to Simplify Energy Compliance with all 50+ Energy Benchmarking & Energy Efficiency Laws Nationwide. From Energy Benchmarking to Energy Audits/RCx Plus and Construction Marketplace, VertPro® has you covered.

  • Understanding the Los Angeles Energy Benchmarking Emission limits

    Understanding the Los Angeles Energy Benchmarking Emission limits

    LA is setting the standard for green businesses, and understanding their energy benchmarking emission limits will ensure you don’t get left behind. Far more than an annoyance to business owners, failing to comply with these regulations can directly impact your reputation and wallet size! In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what LA’s rules are; when they apply; why it matters right now; plus how adhering to them might benefit everyone involved – from employees to customers alike!

    And if you’re serious about meeting standards across all sizes & sectors of organizations? Then check out our best practices advice at the end – everything a budding eco-friendly entrepreneur needs in one place. Learn today: live ‘green’ tomorrow!

    What Is LA Energy Benchmarking Emission Limit?

    LA has implemented a comprehensive energy benchmarking and emission limit policy to reduce its non-residential buildings’ greenhouse gas emissions. This program, EBEWE, allows building owners to measure their energy performance against similar structures or the city’s own settings over time.

    By implementing efficient technology and operations practices into the design of these policies, LA is creating an effective roadmap for improving energy efficiency in all aspects of commercial real estate ownership. Through this initiative, it can be seen that environmental stewardship plays a crucial role in driving economic growth throughout California and positively impacting global efforts toward climate change adaptation!

    Who Can Comply With LA Energy Benchmarking?

    LA Energy Benchmarking Compliance

    With rising energy costs, businesses in Los Angeles are keeping their eyes open for ways to save. The city’s benchmarking policy requires buildings bigger than 20,000 square feet to assess and upload data on water and energy use into Energy Star Portfolio Manager annually. This produces an easy-to-understand score denoting the building’s efficiency level – a higher score means better performance in being more environmentally responsible!

    With such a straightforward way of showing commitment towards sustainability goals while cutting back on expenses, LA organizations have plenty of reason to invest time and effort into establishing green practices that make them stand out as leaders in becoming sustainable powerhouse cities!

    Deadline For LA Energy Benchmarking Report

    Los Angeles energy benchmarking reports are due on June 1! Whether jointly or separately owned, many new and existing buildings over 20,000 square feet of gross floor area in Los Angeles must comply with the city’s energy benchmarking ordinance requirements. This includes performing energy audits and submitting energy performance data to California Energy Benchmarking.

    Different energy sources are included in these reports, such as electricity, oil, and natural gas; these energy sources must all be used in accordance with applicable energy standards outlined in the Los Angeles Municipal Code. Hurry and meet the deadline -June 1 is just around the corner!

    Understanding The Los Angeles Energy Benchmarking Emission Limits

    The Los Angeles City Council has recently passed an ordinance, the LA Energy Benchmarking and Emission Limits Ordinance, that allows building owners in the local area to monitor their existing buildings’ energy consumption easily. With this greater level of detail concerning water usage and energy services performance available, they can assess precisely how well-equipped their establishments are for meeting these new standards set by authorities. This ordinance provides company proprietors with all the data needed to make meaningful upgrades so as to remain compliant with government regulations – a responsibility that now falls on them more than ever before!

    What Are Requirements for Los Angeles Energy Benchmarking?

    The City of Los Angeles has set a bold goal for achieving energy and water efficiency: mandating benchmarking throughout the city’s businesses and public facilities. By comparing annual gas, electricity, and other resource consumption from year to year at each facility and tracking their progress over time, we can effectively identify potential areas where cost savings – and emissions reductions! – are achievable. It’s an ambitious endeavor but one that carries a great promise; together, let us strive towards realizing increased resource conservation in our beloved hometown!

    The city of Los Angeles is committed to conserving resources and upholding established sustainability goals — an effort that begins with businesses consuming a significant amount of energy. To keep them informed on their resource use, organizations must provide year-over-year data reports -comprising baseline figures for the current period and comparison details from previous periods. With this requirement in effect, companies can competitively refer back to prior years’ numbers while making knowledgeable decisions along the way – ultimately resulting in positive outcomes toward growing green initiatives!

    Penalty For Los Angeles Energy Benchmarking Report

    Los Angeles has taken a firm stance towards energy conservation, with the upcoming implementation of their ‘penalty for not filing energy benchmarking reports’ policy. Starting November 2020, commercial and multifamily buildings that are more than 20,000 square feet will be required to complete and submit energy usage reports on an annual basis.

    These reports simulate how much certain energy structures use yearly, allowing Los Angeles to track improvement and keep citizens accountable for meeting sustainability goals. Any buildings that do not meet this requirement by March 31st, 2021, the deadline will face a fine starting at $2 per day until the report has been completed and satisfactorily submitted. It’s a great step forward for the city as they pursue its 2020 goal of slashing carbon emissions by 45%.

    Benefits Of Los Angeles Energy Benchmarking

    Los Angeles Energy Benchmarking Benefits Here are the benefits of LA Benchmarking:

    1. Increases Transparency: LA Benchmarking increases transparency in energy use by providing clear data on how much energy is used and how it is distributed throughout the city, allowing stakeholders to make informed decisions on their future energy usage.

    2. Improves Efficiency: As LA Benchmarking requires regular reporting from building owners, it encourages them to find ways to reduce energy usage through improved efficiency. This leads to lower operational costs and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

    3. Improves Building Value: Energy-efficient commercial and multifamily buildings are more attractive to tenants, investors, and buyers due to their lower operating costs. As LA Benchmarking requires energy audits, owners can use the results to make necessary improvements and increase the value of their properties.

    4. Supports Climate Action: LA Benchmarking helps the city meet its climate action goals by requiring commercial and multifamily buildings to become more energy efficient. This reduces the city’s carbon footprint, making it a leader in environmental stewardship.

    5. Increases Awareness: LA Benchmarking increases awareness of energy usage in commercial and multifamily buildings, providing building owners with the information they need to make informed decisions about their energy use. This encourages more efficient practices and helps create a sustainable future for Los Angeles.

    Overall, LA Benchmarking has numerous benefits for commercial and multifamily buildings, from improving efficiency and building value to supporting climate action and increasing awareness. It is an important tool in the city’s efforts to create a more sustainable future.

    Things To Consider When Complying With Energy Benchmarking

    Let’s check out:

    1. Understand the underlying purpose of energy benchmarking: The first step to successful compliance with an energy benchmark is to understand why you are doing it in the first place. Is this a requirement from a government agency or utility? Are you trying to save money on your energy bills? What metrics, such as energy intensity and carbon emissions, are you trying to improve?

    2. Choose the right benchmarking tool: There are various energy benchmarking tools available, each with different features and benefits. Make sure you choose a tool that will meet your specific needs, such as integrating other data sources or advanced reporting capabilities.

    3. Create an action plan: Before beginning any energy benchmarking project, it is important to create a comprehensive action plan that outlines the goals and steps necessary for optimal energy savings. This includes understanding energy usage patterns, setting energy targets, and determining how energy projects will be implemented.

    4. Monitor progress: Once your energy benchmarking project is underway, you need to track progress over time to ensure energy savings goals are being met. A good energy benchmarking tool should provide detailed energy data and reports that enable you to identify areas of improvement.

    5. Leverage available resources: The Los Angeles Department of Water & Power has developed energy efficiency programs and incentives to help businesses meet energy savings targets. Businesses can save energy and money by taking advantage of energy incentive programs, rebates, and audits.

    By understanding the purpose of energy benchmarking, choosing the right benchmarking tool, creating an action plan, monitoring progress, and leveraging available resources, businesses in Los Angeles can maximize their energy savings while complying with energy benchmarking regulations.

    Conclusion

    In order to help reduce emissions and protect our environment, businesses need to understand the LA energy benchmarking emission limits. With this knowledge, businesses can ensure they comply with these regulations and help create a cleaner and healthier world for us all.