Chicago Energy Benchmarking

Chicago's Energy Use Benchmarking Ordinance requires all commercial, residential, and government buildings larger than 50,000 square feet to annually track whole-building energy use, verify data accuracy, and report to the City. The law covers over 900 million square feet of real estate, the second highest of all U.S. cities with comparable laws.

This ordinance is a key component of Sustainable Chicago 2015, a three-year action plan to make Chicago a more sustainable, livable City. It is part of a focused effort to unlock significant energy savings in Chicago’s 500,000 buildings in order to achieve better commercial energy efficiency.

If you own a residential, commercial, or municipal building with 50,000 square feet or more, you must begin tracking and reporting your energy consumption according to the City’s compliance deadlines. Verification of data by a licensed professional is required every three years.

Your building may qualify for an exemption from reporting if:

• The building is presently experiencing qualifying financial distress, as defined by any of the following: (1) the building is the subject of a qualified tax lien sale or public auction due to property tax arrearages, (2) the building is controlled by a court-appointed receiver, or (3) the building has been acquired by a deed in lieu of foreclosure.

• The building had average physical occupancy of less than 50 percent throughout the calendar year for which benchmarking is required.

• The building is new construction and the building's certificate of occupancy was issued during the calendar year for which benchmarking is required.

• The building had a change of ownership in the calendar year for which benchmarking is required.

To complete the benchmarking process, you will also need to generate a Data Verification Checklist in Portfolio Manager; Have a recognized professional review and sign-off on the data; Add data verifier information to Portfolio Manager. NOTE: This step is only required once every three years. Please contact us if you would like support with data verification.

Every June 1 for commercial, residential, and municipal buildings greater than 50,000 square feet.

All energy utilities including electricity, natural gas, district energy, and any other purchased fuel type used to operate your building.

Violators of the ordinance may be subject to a fine of up to $100 for the first violation, and an additional fine of up to $25 for each day that the violation continues.

Building owners must report their energy usage data to EPA’s Portfolio Manager, a reporting tool that allows building owners to compare their building’s energy efficiency with similar buildings.

However:

• Touchstone IQ for Buildings is a fast, easy-to-use tool that integrates directly with EPA’s Portfolio Manager

• Touchstone IQ also offers expert-led benchmarking to building owners and managers looking for streamlined compliance and cost-saving recommendations

To complete the benchmarking process, you will also need to generate a Data Verification Checklist in Portfolio Manager; Have a recognized professional review and sign-off on the data; Add data verifier information to Portfolio Manager. NOTE: This step is only required once every three years. Please contact us if you would like support with data verification.

Many benchmarking ordinances require a Building ID as part of the report submission process. If needed, you may be able to find your Building ID number here.

• Chicago Energy Benchmarking Program

• Chicago’s Energy Use Benchmarking Ordinance

Touchstone IQ for Buildings offers expert-led benchmarking and easy DIY tools for Chicago’s large properties. Simplify energy benchmarking compliance while gaining the tools to save money and build your energy intelligence with our exclusive software platform. Gain access to the nation's leading energy experts to ensure significant improvements in your energy usage for your commercial, multifamily, or public building. Our team has partnered with entities of all sizes to reduce their carbon footprint, reach ambitious targets, and comply with new regulations. Whether you're looking for comprehensive, step-by-step guidance to craft your energy management plan or a convenient, intuitive benchmarking solution, we've got you covered. Schedule your free personalized demo today or contact us for pricing or questions.