Detroit Energy Benchmarking

This is an amendment of Chapter 8 of 2019 and introduced on November 7, 2023. The new City of Detroit benchmarking policy requires all municipal buildings, as well as commercial and multifamily buildings over 100,000 gross square feet to annually report their energy and water usage, beginning in 2024. Commercial and multifamily buildings over 25,000 square feet but under 100,000 square feet will have to report their energy and water consumption data in 2025.

The purpose of this division is to establish an energy and water benchmarking, reporting, and transparency requirement for certain buildings within the City. The energy and water use of a covered building shall be benchmarked in accordance with this division.

All municipal buildings as well as commercial and multifamily buildings over 100,000 square feet are required to annually report their energy and water usage, beginning in 2024. Commercial and multifamily buildings over 25,000 square feet, but under 100,000 square feet will have to report their energy and water consumption data in 2025.

The City requires building owners to report their energy and water usage annually via the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager tool by June 1st.

• City-owned (10,000 SF or more) -  October 1, 2024 (for 2023 data)

• Non-Municipal Buildings:

  • 100,000 square feet or greater - October 1, 2024 (Jan-Dec, 2023 data); 2nd year reporting date: June 1, 2025

  • 25,000 square feet or greater – June 1, 2025 (for 2024 data); 2nd year reporting date: June 1, 2026

If any or all tenants failed to report the required information, the owner of the covered building shall benchmark the covered building using such alternate values established by the Building, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department Director or designee prior to December 31, 2024 and not less than once every three years thereafter.

Exemptions:

• The covered building has not been issued a certificate of use and occupancy

• The covered building was issued a demolition permit during the prior calendar year

• The covered building had an average physical occupancy of less than 50%

• The owner of the covered building is unable to obtain a substantial amount of data required

• Benchmarking or data transparency would disclose trade secrets that would cause any secret manufacturing procedure, compound or product to become public knowledge and available to competitors

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

Water is another utility that is required for reporting.

Non-compliance will result to blight violation and a blight violation notice will be issued. Building owners are required to pay a civil fine specified in the notice.

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

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.

• Detroit Energy & Water Benchmarking Ordinance

• Detroit Energy & Water Benchmarking How To

Touchstone IQ for Buildings offers expert-led benchmarking and easy DIY tools for Detroit'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.