Montgomery County’s Building Energy Benchmarking Law (Bill 2-14 and Bill 35-15) requires building owners to benchmark the energy use of county, commercial, and residential buildings 25,000 square feet and greater in ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager. Additionally, building owners are required to have their energy data verified by a Recognized Data Verifier the first year, every three years thereafter, and report it to the County annually for public disclosure. The law was adopted in 2014 and reporting deadlines began in 2015.

The law’s goal is to improve the county’s understanding of local energy consumption patterns, quantify energy performance to compare against past performance and other similar buildings, help identify energy-saving opportunities within a portfolio of buildings, and manage business bottom line through consistent data collection and tracking.

If you own or manage buildings above 25,000 square feet in Montgomery County, MD you must track and report your energy consumption according to the County’s compliance deadlines.

Your building may qualify for an exemption if:

• Individually owned or leased spaces where: 1) Each space is less than 25,000 gross square feet, and 2) each space does not share and is not connected by any interior space (even hallways), and 3) each space has its own energy systems (like HVAC and hot water heating) and there are no shared energy systems between spaces, and 4) each space has separate utility meters for all utilities.

• Is in financial distress, defined as the building is subject to a tax lien sale or public auction due to property tax arrearages; is controlled by a court-appointed receiver; or was recently acquired by a deed in lieu of foreclosure.

• On average, less than one full-time-equivalent employee occupied the building during the calendar year being reported.

• The covered building is newly constructed and has received its certificate of use and occupancy during the calendar year for which benchmarking is required.

• The covered building was demolished or received its demolition permit during the calendar year for which benchmarking is required.

Every June 1 for commercial and residential buildings greater than 25,000 square feet.

All energy utilities including electricity, natural gas, district energy, and any other purchased fuel type used to operate your building.

The Benchmarking Law is enforceable under Method 2 regulations (including fines for noncompliance), and any violation of the law is a Class A violation. A Notice of Violation will be sent out to any building owner of a covered building who does not comply with the law.

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.

• Montgomery County Building Energy Benchmarking Program

• Montgomery’s Building Energy Benchmarking Law: Bill 2-14 and Bill 35-15

• Montgomery County Building Energy Performance Standards

Montgomery County properties may need to comply with Maryland state’s new energy benchmarking program. Learn more about Maryland’s program here.

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