Saint Paul Energy Benchmarking

The City is working with the Energize Saint Paul program in order to make public, commercial, and residential properties more energy efficient. The Energy Benchmarking ordinance requires buildings with certain square footage to benchmark both energy and water use.

The City of Saint Paul's commitment to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy and the city's adopted goal of reaching carbon neutrality in building energy use by 2050 will require aggressive efforts to reduce overall energy use in buildings through efficiency, conservation, and conversion to renewable or carbon-free energy sources. The purpose of this program is to provide for public health and welfare by encouraging energy conservation by mandating that owners of covered properties use the energy benchmarking tool. Benchmarking assists Saint Paul in meeting its greenhouse gas emissions goals and contributes to future resilience, protecting both city investments in infrastructure and private investments in property.

If you own or manage a public city, commercial, or multifamily building of at least 50,000 square feet, you are required to comply.

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 the 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 and water usage annually via the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager tool by June 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 violation for non-compliance is a petty misdemeanor and a $200 fine, for each day that the report is late.

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.

• Saint Paul Building Energy Benchmarking Program

• Benchmarking and Transparency Ordinance

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