Salt Lake City Energy Benchmarking

This ordinance requires all commercial buildings above 25,000 square feet to benchmark and report their energy consumption to Salt Lake City on an annual basis using the free online ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager software (with automation services made possible through local utilities Rocky Mountain Power and Dominion Energy).

Elevate Buildings is a Salt Lake City initiative that began in 2016 to identify ways the City could increase energy efficiency, while bolstering economic development, improving air quality, and decreasing energy waste.

If you own or manage a public city building that is at least 3,000 square feet, or any commercial or multifamily building of at least 25,000 square feet, you are required to comply. Additionally, buildings that have an ENERGY STAR Score of 49 or lower, are required to complete a Retro-Commissioning Study once every 5 years.

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

• Governed buildings that are new construction and the Certificate of Occupation was issued less than two (2) years prior to the applicable deadlines; or

• Governed buildings that do not have a Certificate of Occupation or temporary Certificate of Occupation for all twelve (12) months of the calendar year being benchmarked; or

• Governed buildings where a full demolition permit has been issued for the prior calendar year, provided that demolition work has commenced, some energy-related systems have been compromised, and legal occupancy is no longer possible at some point during the calendar year being benchmarked; or

• Governed buildings, including individual buildings or structures, that do not receive utility services; or

• Any of the following:

  • a property or building that is not assessed ad valorem real property taxes by Salt Lake County, houses of worship, apartments, agricultural storage facilities and greenhouses

  • buildings used for heavy manufacturing purposes as defined in section 21A.62.040 of this Code, oil and gas production facilities

  • buildings that contain movie/television/radio production studios, soundstages, broadcast antenna, data center, or trading floor that together exceed ten percent (10%) of gross floor area.

The city requires building owners to report their energy and water usage annually via the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager tool by May 1st.

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 $1000 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.

• Salt Lake City Elevate Buildings Program

• Salt Lake City's Commercial Building Energy Benchmarking and Market Transparency Ordinance

Touchstone IQ for Buildings offers expert-led benchmarking and easy DIY tools for Salt Lake City’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.