Evanston Energy Benchmarking

In December 2016 the Evanston City Council voted to approve the energy and water benchmarking ordinance (33-O-16) which requires large buildings in Evanston to track and report their annual energy and water usage.

In Evanston, 80% of greenhouse gas emissions come from existing buildings. In order for Evanston to meet the goals outlined in the Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP) existing buildings need to make significant reductions in their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Benchmarking ordinances seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from existing buildings which aligns with Evanston’s commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from all sectors.

If you own or manage a public city building that is at least 10,000 square feet, or any commercial or multifamily building of at least 20,000 square feet, you are required to comply.

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

• The building is presently experiencing qualifying financial distress, as defined by any of the following:

  • The building is the subject of a qualified tax lien sale or public auction due to property tax arrearages,

  • The building is controlled by a court-appointed receiver, or

  • The building has been acquired by a deed in lieu of foreclosure

• The building had an average physical occupancy of less than fifty percent throughout the calendar year for which benchmarking is required

• The building is a new construction and the building’s certificate of occupancy was issued during the calendar year for which benchmarking is required.

The city requires building owners to report their energy usage annually via the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager tool by June 30th.

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.

The fines are $100 per each offense, per month.

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.

• Evanston Energy Benchmarking Program

• Evanston's Building Energy and Water Use Benchmarking Ordinance

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