New Jersey Energy Benchmarking

Following stakeholder input, intensive research and design based on best practices, and expert guidance, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities ("Board" or "BPU") has approved the Benchmarking Program for Commercial Buildings on the September 7, 2022 Board Agenda. Commercial buildings over 25,000 square feet will be required to benchmark their energy and water usage annually, beginning in 2023.

Benchmarking is an indispensable tool for energy efficiency. It allows commercial building owners and operators to measure and analyze their facilities’ energy and water use, and to compare their performance to that of similar buildings. Owners and operators can then assess opportunities for performance improvements that reduce energy use and costs at their facilities.

In the long term, benchmarking allows New Jersey to plan strategically for future energy efficiency programs that can help building owners and operators reduce their energy usage through efforts such as optimizing building standards or advancing building electrification.

If you own or manage a commercial or multifamily building of at least 25,000 square feet, you are required to comply.

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

New buildings must be operational for a full calendar year before a building owner is required to benchmark that Covered Building. The New Jersey tax assessment database, MOD-IV, will be used to qualify new buildings as operational for purposes of benchmarking. A commercial building will not be added to the Covered Buildings list until the second year after the year built, as listed in the MOD-IV database.

Recently- or soon-to-be-demolished buildings may be removed from the Covered Buildings list, provided that the building owner submits a certificate of approval for demolition

If a building is unoccupied for a full year (365 days), the building owner may receive an exemption, provided that the building owner submits an affidavit or certification of non-occupancy.

If an action for foreclosure or bankruptcy has been filed during a particular reporting year, the building owner may apply to receive an exemption for the given reporting year.

Certain other situations for good cause may be removed from the Covered Buildings list (e.g., the building’s size falls below the threshold, there is an error in the Covered Buildings list, or an unregulated utility does not apply the 4/50 rule and provide aggregated building-level data and refuses to provide individual data even with tenant consent), and after providing appropriate evidence justifying such removal.

The state will require building owners to report their energy and water usage annually via the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager tool 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 that’s required for reporting.

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.

• New Jersey State Clean Energy Program

• New Jersey's Energy Benchmarking Clean Energy Act of 2018

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