When moving to more efficient power options, building owners and operators are often faced with difficult decisions deciding what to do with existing gas-fired heating systems—especially in colder climates. (Learn more about building electrification.)
Chicago passed an energy benchmarking ordinance in 2013 that requires all commercial and residential buildings over 50,000 square feet to report their whole building energy consumption through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager to the city on an annual basis.
The deadline for buildings to report their whole energy consumption to the City of Chicago is June 1.
Commercial buildings over 250,000 square feet were required to last report their consumption in 2017 and professionally verify the accuracy of the reported data once every three years thereafter.
According to the most recent 2018 City of Chicago Energy Benchmarking Report, from 2015-2018, the median carbon emissions per square foot for reporting buildings has fallen by 22% and median energy use per square foot has fallen by 10%. Properties that have continued to report for two or more years in a row have saved 1%-2% energy use per year, with a total estimated savings for these properties exceeding $21 million per year. Benchmarking is also a great way to improve ENERGY STAR scores, thus improving the Chicago Energy Rating System score, and may help a building become eligible for ENERGY STAR certification!
With many years of benchmarking and verification experience, ESD would be happy to assist with the verification and reporting services for your building. ESD can also provide services for improving your benchmarking score. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the Benchmarking Ordinance or ways to improve your ENERGY STAR score.
