Columbus Energy Benchmarking

The City of Columbus' Energy & Water Benchmarking and Transparency Ordinance requires commercial and multi-family building owners and managers of buildings 50,000 square feet and larger to track (or “benchmark”) their electricity, gas, and water use. This data is reported annually to the city through the U.S. EPA's ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool.

Benchmarking is an easy and effective way to measure and manage a building's energy and water usage. The Energy and Water Benchmarking and Transparency Ordinance is designed to guide Columbus building owners and managers in starting this process. Compliance with this ordinance will help to reach Mayor Ginther's ambitious pledge to make Columbus a carbon neutral community by 2050.

If you own or manage a public city building at least 25,000 square feet, or any commercial or multifamily building at least 50,000 square feet, you are required to comply.

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

• The Property did not have a Certificate of Occupancy or temporary Certificate of Occupancy for that full year; or

• If the Property was issued a Demolition Permit during the prior calendar year; or

• The Property had an average physical occupancy rate of less than 50 percent over that year; or

• If Benchmarking or Data Transparency would disclose trade secrets as defined by Ohio Revised Code Sections 1333.61 through 1333.69; or

• Buildings primarily used for manufacturing or other industrial purposes for which Benchmarking results would not meaningfully reflect building energy use characteristics due to the intensive use of process energy. “Process energy” refers to energy used in the actual manufacturing, production, or processing of a good, commodity, or other material

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.

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.

• Columbus Energy and Water Benchmarking Transparency Program

• Columbus' Energy and Water Benchmarking and Transparency Ordinance

• Columbus Energy & Water Benchmarking Transparency Map

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