Pittsburgh Energy Benchmarking

Pittsburgh’s Building Benchmarking Ordinance requires owners of large, nonresidential buildings to report energy and water usage annually. This increased transparency allows businesses and individuals to make informed choices related to building specifications while also providing a method for tracking building efficiency and monitoring for maintenance needs. The ordinance was adopted in October 2016 and reporting deadlines began in 2017.

The ordinance’s goal is to ensure the long-term vitality of the community. Through benchmarking, the City of Pittsburgh hopes to make progress toward the Pittsburgh 2030 District’s energy and water reduction goals of a 50% reduction below the baseline usage. Beyond contributing to the City’s climate goals, the requirements provide valuable information that can help building owners improve the performance of their properties in ways that benefit their bottom line, as well as enhance the comfort of work and living spaces for tenants.

If you own or manage nonresidential buildings over 50,000 square feet or portions of mixed-use buildings with at least 50,000 square feet of nonresidential space, you must track and report your energy consumption according to the City’s compliance deadlines.

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

• The covered building does not have a certificate of occupancy or temporary certificate of occupancy for all twelve (12) months of the calendar year being benchmarked.

• A demolition permit has been issued for the covered building during the calendar year being benchmarked, provided that demolition work has commenced, energy-related systems have been compromised and legal occupancy is no longer possible prior to June 1 for the applicable year.

• The covered building had average physical occupancy of less than fifty (50) percent throughout the calendar year for which benchmarking is required.

• The Department determines that, due to special circumstances unique to the covered building and not based on a condition caused by actions of the owner, applicant, or operator, strict compliance with provisions of this Chapter would cause undue hardship or would not be in the public interest.

• The covered building is primarily used for manufacturing or other industrial purposes for which benchmarking results would not meaningfully reflect the covered building's energy use characteristics due to the intensive use of process energy.

• The owner is unable to benchmark due to the failure of either a utility or a tenant (or both) to provide the information necessary for the owner to complete any benchmarking submittal requirement.

The compliance deadline for all affected buildings to report their annual energy and water usage is June 1 every year.

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

Water is another utility that is 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.

• Pittsburgh Building Energy Benchmarking

• Pittsburgh's Energy Benchmarking Ordinance

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