Seattle Energy Benchmarking & Building Performance Standards

Seattle’s Building Energy Benchmarking Law (Seattle Municipal Code 22.920) that requires owners of nonresidential and multifamily buildings to measure and report energy consumption annually. The benchmarking information will then be published online so that owners and potential buyers can compare their building’s energy usage and emissions to others of similar size.

Buildings account for more than one-third of Seattle’s core greenhouse emissions. The benchmarking policy was created to support Seattle’s goals to minimize energy use and greenhouse gas emissions from existing buildings. The Climate Action Plan was adopted in 2013 in order to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Annual benchmarking, reporting, and disclosure of building performance are the foundational elements to help create more market value for commercial energy efficiency.

This ordinance impacts owners or managers of all nonresidential and multifamily buildings larger than 20,000 square feet. For more information on whether or not your building is required to comply with Seattle’s energy benchmarking ordinance, refer to the “BUILDINGS SUBJECT TO REQUIREMENTS” section of the Director’s Rule.

You may qualify for an exemption if one of the following criteria apply:

• Building is less than 20,000 gross sq. ft. and is inaccurately recorded through the King County Assessor Office.

• Building is vacant due to renovation or pending demolition.

• At least 50% of the building’s use is manufacturing or light industrial.

The annual deadline for compliance for all multifamily and nonresidential building owners is June 1 of each year.

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

Non-compliance fines for will be streamlined into a single Notice of Violation issued 90 days after the June 1st reporting deadline in place of quarterly accruing fines.

Fines for properties between 20,000 and 50,000 square feet will be $2,000.

Fines for properties greater than 50,000 square feet will be $4,000.

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.

• Seattle Energy Benchmarking

• Seattle’s Energy Benchmarking Law

• Seattle Energy Benchmarking Map

Seattle properties will also be required to comply with the Washington state energy benchmarking program. Learn more about Washington’s requirements here.

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