New Orleans’ 2025 Benchmarking Law: What Building Owners Need to Know
August 6, 2025Summary
The New Orleans Benchmarking Law is here. Learn how this new building energy compliance rule impacts owners & operators, how to avoid penalties, and why it could help your bottom line.
If you own or manage a large building in New Orleans, there’s a new law you can’t afford to ignore. On July 10, 2025, the New Orleans City Council passed the Building Energy Benchmarking Ordinance (Ordinance No. 35,154), ushering in a new era of accountability and opportunity for property owners.
Beginning in 2026, every commercial, multifamily, or public building over 20,000 square feet will be required to measure, track, and report its annual energy consumption to the city. For some owners, this might sound like another layer of red tape. But for those who embrace it, this law could unlock ways to cut costs, attract tenants, and future-proof their properties.
Why New Orleans is Betting on Benchmarking
Benchmarking laws aren’t new as cities from New York to Los Angeles have adopted them to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and give property owners tools to operate more competitively.
For New Orleans, the stakes are especially high. Rising energy costs and growing climate pressures have created a need for buildings to do more than just meet code; they need to perform better, cost less to operate, and contribute to the city’s decarbonization goals.
The ordinance is designed to help with exactly that. By tracking how much electricity, natural gas, and other fuels a building consumes, owners gain insight into their performance compared to similar properties. Those insights often lead to smart upgrades, like optimizing HVAC systems or upgrading lighting, that quickly pay for themselves.
In short, the city isn’t just mandating compliance; it’s pushing building owners toward savings and sustainability.
Who Needs to Comply?
The ordinance applies to all commercial, multifamily, and public buildings over 20,000 square feet within city limits. These properties will be required to begin benchmarking in 2026.
There are a few exceptions: buildings used primarily for manufacturing or industrial operations are exempt because their energy usage is harder to compare fairly against standard commercial spaces.
For everyone else, the clock is ticking to prepare.
What Does Benchmarking Involve?
Compliance starts with data. Each year, by May 31, building owners must submit their energy usage information to the city using the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager, a free tool provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Portfolio Manager collects details on all the energy sources powering your building including electricity, natural gas, district energy, and even purchased fuels like propane. Using this data, it generates a score showing how your building performs compared to others of similar size and use.
For many owners, this report is an eye-opener, revealing inefficiencies and opportunities to cut costs.
Turning Compliance Into an Advantage
While some property owners see this ordinance as a burden, others see it as a chance to get ahead. Benchmarking can lead to:
Lower energy bills through efficiency upgrades
Better tenant satisfaction thanks to improved indoor air quality and comfort
Higher property values and marketability for buildings that score well
Eligibility for rebates, awards, and recognition programs
In fact, many cities with similar programs have seen building owners recoup the time and costs associated with compliance within a year, simply by identifying wasted energy.
Why This Law is About More Than Just Compliance
At its core, the New Orleans Benchmarking Law is about future-proofing the city’s building stock. By requiring owners to track their energy use, it gives everyone the tools they need to make smarter, more cost-effective decisions.
For building owners, that means more than avoiding penalties. It means staying competitive in a market where tenants, investors, and regulators are all demanding greener, more efficient spaces.
Benchmarking is the first step toward a future where New Orleans buildings cost less to run, perform better for occupants, and contribute to a healthier planet.
Final Thoughts
The New Orleans Benchmarking Law isn’t just a regulation, it’s an opportunity for building owners to cut costs, attract tenants, and take meaningful steps toward decarbonization.
By understanding the law now and preparing early, you can ensure your property not only complies but thrives in the evolving energy landscape.
How Touchstone IQ Helps Building Owners Navigate the Law
For those unfamiliar with Portfolio Manager, the reporting process can feel confusing or time-consuming. That’s where Touchstone IQ for Buildings comes in.
Touchstone IQ provides a direct integration with Portfolio Manager, so your energy data flows seamlessly into the city’s reporting system. Beyond compliance, the platform offers expert-led support to help you understand your results and uncover ways to cut costs.
Whether you manage a single building or a large portfolio, Touchstone IQ simplifies the process by:
Ensuring your reports are accurate and on time
Offering custom energy-saving recommendations based on your data
Helping you build a long-term strategy for energy management and decarbonization
With deadlines approaching, having a trusted partner can mean the difference between scrambling to meet a requirement and strategically improving your bottom line.
Need Help Getting Started?
If you’re a building owner in New Orleans, now is the time to get ready. The first reports are due in May 2026, but waiting until the last minute can make the process far more stressful than it needs to be.
Touchstone IQ is offering free personalized demos to help property owners streamline their compliance efforts, identify cost-saving opportunities, and build a clear path toward decarbonization.
Schedule your free consultation today and turn this new regulation into your next competitive edge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the New Orleans Benchmarking Law?
It’s a city ordinance requiring buildings over 20,000 sq. ft. to track and report annual energy usage to the city using ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager.
Which buildings must comply?
Commercial, multifamily, and public buildings over 20,000 square feet. Industrial and manufacturing facilities are exempt.
When is the first reporting deadline?
The first reports will be due by May 31, 2026, and annually thereafter.
What utilities must be reported?
Electricity, natural gas, district energy, and all purchased fuels used in the building.
What happens if I don’t comply?
The city may impose penalties, and your property could lose credibility with tenants and investors.
How can I make this process easier?
Use tools like Touchstone IQ for Buildings to simplify reporting, ensure accuracy, and turn compliance into a cost-saving opportunity.
About the Author
Ben Levine is the Director of Business Development at Touchstone IQ, a Denver-based energy management software and services firm founded in 2014. Ben leads client and partnership strategies, connecting utilities, governments, and building owners with Touchstone IQ’s energy benchmarking, forecasting, and compliance platforms. He is passionate about supporting clients in complying with local energy regulations and supporting communities in achieving decarbonization goals.