Bloomington Energy Benchmarking

The ordinance aims to address the City’s community development and climate goals by helping businesses understand the energy efficiency of their buildings to both control energy costs and reduce associated greenhouse gas emissions.

Bloomington's Energy Action Plan outlines a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2035. The City has found that large commercial, multifamily, and public buildings account for 70% of the City's related greenhouse gas emissions. Improving existing buildings through efficiency upgrades is one of the most cost-effective ways to achieve the City's greenhouse gas emission goal.

Covered buildings containing a floor area of 75,000 gross square feet or greater are required to submit a benchmarking report to the City of Bloomington.

• Your building may qualify for an exemption if you meet any of the following criteria:

  • the subject of a qualified tax lien sale or public auction due to property tax arrearages;

  • the property is controlled by a court-appointed receiver based on financial distress;

  • the property is owned by a financial institution through default by the borrower;

  • the property has been acquired by a deed in lieu of foreclosure; or

  • the property has a senior mortgage which is subject to a notice of default.

• The building or areas of the building subject to the requirements of this article have been less than 50% occupied during the calendar year for which benchmarking is required; or

• The building does not have a certificate of occupancy or temporary certificate of occupancy for all 12 months of the calendar year for benchmarking is required.

The City requires building owners to report their energy 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.

A violation of any provision of this chapter is a civil infraction punishable by a fine of not more than $500.00 for a first offense, and not more than $1,000.00 for each additional or subsequent offense. Knowingly submitting a false Benchmarking Report or submitting it with reckless disregard for the truth and accuracy of it and/or the data on which it is based is a civil infraction punishable by a fine of not more than $500.00.

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.

• Bloomington Large Building Energy Benchmarking Program

• Bloomington’s Energy Benchmarking Ordinance

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