Enough time has passed to start considering if the intended effects of benchmarking ordinances are playing out, both in terms of leading to energy efficiency and unleashing market forces around consumption transparency.
Some of the available evidence is summarized in these two reports:
1. Energy Star Portfolio Manager Data Trends: Benchmarking and Energy Savings — This review of over 35,000 buildings consistently benchmarking their performance within ENERGY STAR showed an annual average savings of 2.4 percent from 2008 through 2011, and a total savings of 7 percent. Buildings that started with the lowest performance gained the greatest savings.
2. Institute for Market Transformation and Pacific Coast Collaborative, The Benefits of Benchmarking Building Performance — This report summarizes research looking into the impact of ordinances, with positive evidence that benchmarking can lead to efficiency actions and outcomes, and that more energy efficient buildings translate into market value, in the form of higher occupancy rates, rent increase, and building sales price increases.
What You Need To Know About Energy Benchmarking and Disclosure Ordinances
Benchmarking: Opportunities for Finding Energy Efficiency
SIDEBAR: Benchmarking Ordinance Results
SIDEBAR (Exclusive online only): Benchmarking Tips and Resources
