Des Moines Energy Benchmarking

In an effort to create a more energy-aware community and reduce energy waste, the Des Moines City Council passed on June 3, 2019, the Energy and Water Benchmarking Ordinance requiring owners of buildings 25,000 sq. ft or larger to benchmark their energy and water usage.

Across the country in large cities, buildings often account for the majority of energy use and carbon emissions. The purpose of this program is to preserve and improve the safety, health, welfare, comfort, and convenience of city residents by advancing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions as outlined in and in furtherance of the Guide DSM: Strategic Plan 2015-2030 adopted by the city council in 2015 and the Plan DSM: Creating Our Tomorrow plan as an amendment to the city’s comprehensive plan adopted by the city council in 2016.

You are required to comply if your building is (1) a privately owned city building or (2) a commercial or multifamily building that is at least 25,000 square feet.

Your building may qualify for an exemption if you meet any of the following:

• The property did not have a certificate of occupancy for the entire calendar year

• A demolition permit was issued for the property and the property was vacated during the calendar year

• The property did not receive energy or water utility services for a cumulative 30 days or more during the calendar year

• The property had average daily occupancy of no more than one person during the calendar year

• The property has/is facing financial stress during the calendar year, meaning one of the following is true:

  • Expenses significantly exceed revenue

  • Sold at tax sale under Iowa Code Chapter 446

  • Is subject to foreclosure or forfeiture proceedings under Iowa Code 654 or 656

  • Is under court-appointed receivership

• Unique features, functions, or uses will cause undue hardship to the owner and will reveal the owner’s proprietary information protected by law

• The property is multi-family residential real estate where the building owner does not have access to reasonable means to obtain such aggregated whole-building data

• The property is LEED certified through USGBC

• The property is multi-residential real estate and was constructed within the last five years (based on a certificate of occupancy for the completed construction)

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

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

Water is another utility required for reporting.

Late submissions (more than 30 days) will be charged a $50 late fee. Failure to remediate non-compliance within 30 days will result in a $300 violation fee. Subsequent violations will be charged a $500 fee.

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.

• Des Moines Energy and Water Benchmarking Program

• Des Moines Energy and Water Benchmarking Ordinance

Touchstone IQ for Buildings offers expert-led benchmarking and easy DIY tools for Des Moines’ 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.