Providence Energy Benchmarking

The City of Providence in Rhode Island has the following energy benchmarking laws for various large property types.

Fast facts:

  • Starting 2025, May 15th annual deadline

  • Reporting Schedule:

    • 2025: Commercial, institutional, and multifamily properties 50,000 square feet or greater

    • 2026: Commercial, institutional, and multifamily properties 20,000 square feet or greater

  • The Providence Building Energy Reporting Ordinance requires large commercial, institutional, and multifamily building owners to use ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager to assess their buildings’ energy performance and report energy use information to the City, which then verifies and discloses that data to the public.

  • There is strong evidence that ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager helps drive energy efficiency improvements. For the 35,000 buildings that used the tool to benchmark energy performance from 2008 to 2011, average energy use declined by 7 percent. Furthermore, through the use of ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, building owners often discover that they can cut energy use by 20 to 30 percent with very short payback periods. This level of energy savings means big money and a big impact to our economy, environment, and public health.

  • Reporting Schedule:

    • 2025: Properties 50,000 square feet or greater

    • 2026: Properties 20,000 square feet or greater

  • The City requires building owners to report their energy usage annually via the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager tool by May 15th.

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

  • First violation - written warning

    Second and subsequent violation:

    • Buildings ≥ 50,000 sq ft - $40 per day to a maximum of $4,000 per year

    • Buildings ≥ 20,000 sq ft - $30 per day to a maximum of $3,000 per year

  • 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.

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

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