Reno Energy Benchmarking

This ordinance establishes the energy and water efficiency program that requires covered properties to benchmark energy and water performance, and make such performance information available to raise awareness and drive action. Further, it requires buildings that do not meet specific standards to perform an action or actions to increase performance. The benchmarking requirement supports the City of Reno's goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in buildings by 28% by 2025. Annual benchmarking, reporting, and disclosure of building performance are foundational elements of removing market barriers for energy efficiency. This will allow the city to track energy and water use and progress toward reduction goals to inform the development of new programs and resources needed to support each market sector.

The purpose of Reno’s energy benchmarking and transparency ordinance is to establish a program that encourages large commercial, institutional, and multifamily buildings to invest in energy efficiency to improve building performance, which will result in lower carbon emissions from the commercial building sector. A benchmarking and transparency ordinance is a proven, local government intervention that results in decreased energy use and reduced carbon emissions. It will also assist the city with targeting sectors most in need of technical assistance, incentives, and training. The ordinance will only apply to the largest buildings in the community.

A benchmarking and transparency policy is a market-based tool designed to overcome barriers and create demand for energy efficiency improvements in commercial, institutional and multifamily buildings. Energy benchmarking is the process of measuring a building’s energy use over time. Benchmarking will give owners the information they need to identify opportunities to cut energy waste and understand how their building performs relative to similar buildings.

If you own or manage a public city building that is at least 10,000 square feet, or any commercial, multifamily, or local agency building at least 30,000 square feet, you are required to comply.

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

• A new building built under the currently adopted International Energy Conservation Code; or

• A building with a LEED (Leadership in energy and Environmental Design) certification; or

• A building with a National Green Building Standard Multifamily Building certification; or

• A low-income, multifamily housing building with an enterprise green communities certification, is exempt from the requirements of this chapter for a period of:

  • Three years from the date of the issuance of the certification; or

  • Six years from the date of the issuance of the certification if the building owner supplies a returning report during the first three-year period.

• A building with a net-zero energy certification from the International Living Future Institute, or other qualified certification program as required by the manager;(6)The building is unoccupied which means there is less than one full-time equivalent occupant over the last calendar year;

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

  • It is the subject of a qualified tax lien sale or public auction due to property tax arrearages; or

  • It is controlled by a court appointed receiver; or

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

• Publishing of data will result in the release of proprietary information. To qualify for this exemption, the owner shall specifically identify the data or information it believes is confidential as per NRS 239.010 or other applicable local, state, or federal law, or provides a written statement describing the manner in which public disclosure would cause substantial harm to the owner's competitive position;

• A building for which a demolition permit for the entire building has been issued and for which demolition work has commenced on or before the date the benchmarking report is due;

• A building that had an average physical occupancy of less than 60 percent throughout the calendar year for which benchmarking is required;

• More than 50 percent of gross floor area is used for residential purposes and:

  • More than four meters are associated with the property; and

  • The owner does not have access to means to obtain aggregated, whole-building data through the utility or a tenant where applicable; and

  • The serving electric utility does not provide access to aggregated whole-building data. Once such services are available from the Utility, as determined by the manager, such properties will no longer be exempt from Benchmarking requirements, and shall file initial benchmarking reports in the first required reporting year following such data availability.

• Access to accurate data is reliant on tenant information or cooperation and the tenant cannot or will not provide the data. To claim this exemption, a written statement from the owner is required along with sufficient evidence to support the exemption.

• Any change in ownership of the covered property during the calendar year for which benchmarking is required.

The city requires building owners to report their energy and water usage annually via the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager tool by April 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.

(1) A written notice may be issued for the violation.

(2) If the information is not reported within 30 days of the date the written notice is issued, the manager may issue a notice of violation with a penalty of up to $100.00.

(3) If the information is not reported within 30 days of the date the first violation is issued, the manager may issue a notice of violation with a penalty of up to $250.00.

(4) If the information is not reported within 30 days of the date the second violation is issued, the manager may issue a notice of violation with a penalty of up to $500.00.

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.

• Reno Energy and Water Efficiency Benchmarking Program

• Reno Energy and Water Efficiency Ordinance

• Reno Energy Benchmarking Map

• Reno Building Performance Standards (reference Sec. 14.30.010)

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