Portland Energy Benchmarking

This policy requires commercial buildings 20,000 square feet and larger to track building energy performance and report this information annually. Portland City Council approved the policy in April 2015 and it requires commercial buildings 20,000 square feet and larger to incorporate the following practices:

• Track energy performance information using ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager®, a free web-based benchmarking tool that computes a performance score ranging from 1 to 100, comparable to other buildings with similar characteristics.

• Report this information to the City of Portland on an annual basis.

The policy covers approximately 1,000 buildings. It does not include residential properties, nursing homes, places of worship, parking structures, K-12 schools, industrial facilities or warehouses.

The goal of this policy is to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions for commercial buildings in Portland in accordance with the Climate Action Plan.

The policy:

• Advances the City’s Climate Action Plan objective to reduce the energy use of buildings.

• Helps building operators track energy use and identify options to improve efficiency.

• Reduces building owners’ energy costs.

• Provides market recognition for the most efficient buildings.

• Gives prospective buyers and tenants information to make informed decisions.

If you own or manage any commercial building at least 20,000 square feet, you are required to comply. The program has been suspended for 2023.

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

• A wrecking permit for the entire building was issued, demolition work has begun, and legal occupancy of the building was no longer possible prior to end of that year;

• The covered city property did not receive energy or water utility services for at least 30 days during that year;

• The covered city property had an average physical occupancy rate of less than 50 percent over the course of that year; or

• Due to special circumstances unique to the covered city property, strict compliance with provisions of this chapter would not be in the public interest.

The city requires building owners to report their energy usage annually via the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager tool by April 22nd, 2024.

Note: For 2023, the program was temporarily suspended and did not require annual report submission for the 2022 calendar year.

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

The fines for non-compliance are up to $500 for every 90-day period during which the violation continues.

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.

• Portland Commercial Building Energy Reporting Program

• Portland's Energy Benchmarking Commercial BEPR Ordinance

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