Benchmarking
You can’t manage what you don’t measure
Benchmarking utility usage is a must for proactive building management. More than managing costs, owners and operators can problem-solve in real time and inform capital decisions for organizations ensuring that your buildings truly support your needs.
Upcoming Benchmarking Trainings and Help Sessions
How to Benchmark a Building
1. Create an ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager account or log in to your existing account.
ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager is a free online tool administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This tool is not used exclusively for benchmarking. According to EPA, more than 40% of the commercial buildings market uses ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager to measure and track their energy use. A score of 50 represents typical performance, while a score of 75 indicates that your facility performs better than 75 percent of all similar facilities nationwide.
2. Collect all data needed for benchmarking.
You’ll need basic building information including gross floor area, year built (can be estimated), and occupancy percentage. On the utility side, you’ll need start and end date of billing cycles and usage for all utilities including water (ccf), electricity (kWh), natural gas (ccf), district steam (Klbs) and any other energy purchased in bulk (fuel oil, propane, diesel, coal, etc.).
Additional information may be needed if special circumstances apply such as your property generates power onsite, isn’t individually metered, or has multiple tenants. Details on whether additional information is required can be found here.
3. Enter your data, benchmark your property.
ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager does not require an expert to use. They system has step-by-step instructions in their Quick Start Guide, video trainings, and webinars. If you need help entering data, ENERGY STAR demonstration videos are available here.
