Miami Energy Benchmarking

Energy and water benchmarking is a process whereby a building’s annual energy and water consumption data is joined with its physical and operational characteristics to create a comparable energy efficiency rating for that building.

This rating and other useful performance metrics allow a building owner to compare a property’s energy performance against itself over time as well as against similar buildings locally, regionally, and nationwide.

Building owners of multifamily and commercial buildings with 20,000 square feet or greater of floor space and 5 or more units are required to participate annually based on their reporting start date timeline.

The City of Miami has always been vulnerable to hurricanes, storm surges, and flooding, and we have a strong history of thriving in the face of adversity. However, over the past decade, Miami's acceptance and response to climate change has emerged as a new factor influencing the growth, and future trajectory, of the City. To ensure a sustainable and enduring future for the City and its residents, the City of Miami is taking bold steps toward implementing an innovative and holistic approach to resilience.

Miami Forever Carbon Neutral is the City’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan (GHG Plan) and a roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Today, commercial buildings contribute to approximately 35% of total emissions in the City of Miami, and tracking and reporting energy consumption through benchmarking programs is one of the first steps to understanding GHG reduction opportunities.

If you own or manage a public city building, or any commercial or multifamily building of at least 20,000 square feet, you are required to comply. For 2023, only buildings that are at least 100,000 square feet are required to comply.

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

The property does not have a certificate of occupancy or temporary certificate of occupancy for all 12 months of the calendar year being benchmarked

The property did not receive energy or water services for the entire calendar year to be benchmarked

A demolition permit for the entire building was issued for the calendar year being benchmarked, provided that demolition work had commenced and legal occupancy was no longer possible prior to the end of that year.

Building with average physical occupancy of less than fifty (50) percent

The city requires building owners to report their energy and water usage annually via the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager tool by June 30th.

For 2025, covered buildings +20K sq. ft. are required to report by October 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.

The fines for non-compliance are $250 per day for the first offense & $500 per day for a repeat violation.

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.

• Miami Building Energy Efficiency 305 (BE305) Program

• Miami's Building Energy and Water Consumption Benchmarking and Returning Ordinance

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