The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) is updating its performance metrics in the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool based on the most recent market data available (2012 CBECS data) to keep ENERGY STAR metrics as current as possible, and reflective of current market performance. This is resulting also in an update of the source energy conversion factors used in all Energy Star score models. The release date for all updated scores is August 26, 2018, and will impact all building Energy Star scores.

What does this mean for your ENERGY STAR score?

The ENERGY STAR score (1-100) compares your building’s energy performance to that of similar buildings nationwide. The U.S. building stock shows an overall improvement in energy performance in the last couple of years which is reflected in the most recent market data. Conclusively, when Portfolio Manager metrics are updated in August, ENERGY STAR scores and other performance metrics will, on average, decrease. Thus, your individual building’s ENERGY STAR score may increase or decrease, depending on your energy use, fuel mix, business activity, property type, and other variables.

Example: After the update, a building with an ENERGY STAR Score of 90 might have now only an ENERGY STAR Score of 78.

You have now the option to renew the ENERGY STAR Score early with the old benchmark if you submit it before July 26, 2018, accordingly.

The Energy Star models for the following property types will be updated:

• Offices
• K-12 schools
• Financial offices, banks, courthouses
• Hotels
• Retail, incl. retail stores and wholesale club/supercenters, supermarket
• Warehouse, incl. refrigerated, non-refrigerated, and distribution centers
• Worship facilities

The new update will also influence LEED O+M for existing building certifications, as Energy Star’s Portfolio Manager tool is used to benchmark and document energy performance.

Do you need to do an energy benchmark or are you planning on doing one to see how your building is performing and if improvements could reduce your energy bills? Reach out to Torsten Biernat (t.biernat@baumann-us.com) today for a conversation about your benchmarking and how Baumann can help you to comply with the benchmarking law. Torsten is happy to answer all your questions.

Torsten Biernat, Baumann Consulting’s Head of Green Building & Facility Management, received an in-depth orientation to the Montgomery County Benchmarking Law and has been trained by EPA ENERGY STAR on how to properly benchmark in Portfolio Manager to comply with the Benchmarking Law.

Baumann has provided benchmarking for many years and through continuous training is staying up to date with the current laws and regulations as well as updates to the ENERGY STAR® metrics with new market data. Baumann Consulting offers benchmarking and verification services to help your company to comply with the Benchmarking Law. Baumann is also part of the Energy Star Partners program.

Further Links: List of Benchmarking Ambassadors