Edina Energy Benchmarking

The City of Edina is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030, from 2019. The Efficient Buildings Ordinance benchmarks existing energy use in commercial buildings, and promotes resources to increase energy efficiency and transition to renewable energy sources. Improving building energy efficiency is a key component of the City’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint while supporting building owners’ pathways to lower operating costs.

Over $80 million is spent annually on electricity and natural gas in Edina buildings. Meanwhile, the U.S. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average building wastes 30 percent of the energy it consumes due to inefficiencies. Increasing energy efficiency in Edina’s large buildings can help drastically reduce the City’s carbon footprint while cutting owner and tenant energy bills.

Benchmarking is the ongoing review of building energy and water performance to ensure a building is using energy and water as anticipated—over time and relative to peers. Just as fuel mileage helps drivers understand vehicle efficiency, benchmarking, and energy-saving assessments give owners and occupants insight into their building’s energy performance and help identify opportunities to cut waste. Public disclosure or sharing of the benchmarking results drives the market to recognize and reward energy.

You are required to comply if your building is a commercial, industrial, multifamily, or publicly owned city building that is at least 25,000 square feet.

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

• The property is presently experiencing qualifying financial distress in that the property is 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; or

• The property or areas of the property subject to the requirements of this section have been less than fifty (50) percent occupied during the calendar year for which benchmarking is required; or

• The property does not have a certificate of occupancy or temporary certificate of occupancy for all twelve (12) months of the calendar year for benchmarking.

• The property’s primary use is industrial, and the industrial use of the building comprises the majority of energy demands for the building. Additional documentation and narrative are required

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.

• Edina Energy Efficient Buildings Program

• Edina's Efficient Buildings Ordinance

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