Why/How the ENERGY STAR Score Determines DC's Building Energy Performance Standards
The ENERGY STAR score is the deciding factor in determining compliance with the District of Columbia’s Building Energy Performance Standard (DC BEPS). The ENERGY STAR score assesses a building’s energy efficiency relative to similar buildings across the country, considering factors such as energy usage, building size, and climate conditions.
At the beginning of each compliance cycle, the Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) calculates the DC median ENERGY STAR score for each property type. Buildings with a score below the DC median will be placed in the compliance cycle and have five years to reduce their energy use through one of four available BEPS compliance pathways. Because buildings improve over time to comply, the median ENERGY STAR score for each property type will increase with each cycle. Understanding trends and future cycle requirements is crucial for long-term BEPS compliance planning and investments.
Analyzing DC BEPS Benchmarking Data: Trends, Compliance Insights, and Future Energy Performance Projections
The DOEE publishes benchmarking data annually, typically in June or July of the following year, which reflects the energy performance of buildings for the previous calendar year. This data serves as the foundation for tracking compliance with DC BEPS and is updated regularly to incorporate any retroactive changes or corrections, ensuring that the data remains accurate and reflects any adjustments made in previous assessments.
Baumann Consulting (Baumann) has analyzed the most current data available, including DOEE’s benchmarking results for office and multifamily properties through 2023. Based on this analysis, it is expected that the rate of improvement in ENERGY STAR scores will begin to slow down towards the end of the decade. This projection stems from the fact that as more buildings progress through the BEPS compliance cycles, a greater number of properties will be able to utilize the Standard Target Pathway, which typically requires less stringent energy performance improvements compared to the Performance Pathway.
Understanding ENERGY STAR Score Fluctuations: How Data Updates Impact BEPS Compliance and Building Performance
The ENERGY STAR score is calculated as the ratio of the source energy use intensity (EUI) a building achieved in any given year and the source EUI the algorithm predicts for that building based on the building characteristics (square footage, use type, hours of operation, etc.).
An office building with an energy efficiency ratio (EEF) between 0.5933 and 0.6041, for example, will achieve a score of 75.
The model calculating the predicted source EUI is derived from two primary sources: the Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) and the Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS). These datasets, which provide comprehensive data on energy use patterns across commercial and residential buildings, are updated regularly, typically every five to seven years. When the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopts new datasets, it incorporates updated information about energy consumption and building characteristics that influence energy use. Because the building stock generally becomes more efficient over time, the new model will predict a lower source EUI for any given building which in turn results in a reduced ENERGY STAR score for most buildings.
The timing of these updates coincides with the BEPS compliance cycles. As a result, the ENERGY STAR score can become an unpredictable metric for building owners trying to plan for future compliance. For example, when the EPA adopted a new CBECS dataset in 2018, many commercial properties saw a noticeable drop in their Energy Star scores due to the recalibration of energy use benchmarks. A similar update is scheduled for 2025, which is expected to once again cause shifts in ENERGY STAR scores. This upcoming change could disrupt the compliance planning process for building owners, as it may lead to unexpected adjustments in the required energy performance thresholds.
EUI Targets: Reliable Approach to Long-Term BEPS Compliance and Energy Performance Planning
To provide building owners with a more reliable planning tool, Baumann developed site EUI targets for multifamily and office buildings that are likely to result in ENERGY STAR scores that lead to compliance with future BEPS cycles. However, because the impact of the site EUI on the ENERGY STAR score is different for every building, building owners should take steps to understand the EUI targets they have to set for their buildings to comply long-term. Baumann can help property managers, building engineers, and owners better understand their short- and long-term performance goals and the associated noncompliance risk.
ENERGY STAR scores are a pivotal metric in determining DC BEPS compliance, as they offer a standardized way to evaluate a building’s energy efficiency. While the ongoing trends show that future compliance cycles may become easier for some properties, the unpredictability of data updates from the EPA can create challenges for long-term planning. As the ENERGY STAR scoring system is based on datasets that change every few years, it introduces uncertainty for building owners aiming to meet future compliance targets.
Baumann’s development of EUI targets offers a proactive solution by providing building owners with tailored energy use goals likely to lead to compliance, mitigating the effects of unpredictable score fluctuations. By understanding these targets, building owners can better prepare for upcoming cycles, ensuring their properties remain energy-efficient and aligned with DC BEPS requirements.
As Washington, DC BEPS evolves, it’s important for building owners and managers to stay ahead of the curve. Understanding how the ENERGY STAR score impacts compliance, especially with upcoming data updates, can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. Baumann Consulting offers a reliable, data-driven solution to help you navigate these changes and set your property up for long-term success.
With our tailored solutions, you can confidently plan for future cycles, mitigate compliance risks, and keep your building energy efficient.
Contact us today to get the expert insights and strategies you need to ensure your property’s continued compliance with DC BEPS!
