St. Louis Energy Benchmarking

Effective in 2017, privately owned buildings and municipal buildings in St. Louis that are 50,000 square feet or more are required to be energy efficiency benchmarked, and owners must disclose annual energy and water consumption. Privately owned buildings must benchmark and submit reporting for the first compliance deadline no later than May 1, annually. Building owners will use a free, online tool called Energy Star Portfolio Manager to benchmark their buildings.

Requiring large buildings to benchmark and report their energy use on an annual basis has been shown to be an effective driver of behavioral, operational, and capital improvements to building energy performance. Citywide, a required benchmarking policy can lead to job creation, reduced pressure on the electricity grid, and improved air quality. As interest in building efficiency increases, jobs from the implementation of efficiency measures, including energy audits, retro-commissioning, and energy retrofits are likely to result. By reducing unnecessary energy use, utilities are under less pressure to provide power at the busiest hours of the day in the most populated areas. Reduction in electricity demand can help address regional air quality issues, which have positive implications for air quality-related health concerns, such as asthma. Building efficiency improvements at the individual level can also help improve indoor air quality.

If you own or manage a public city, commercial, or multifamily building of at least 50,000 square feet, you are required to comply. In addition, every 5 years buildings will need to meet weather-normalized site EUI standards set for their property type.

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

• A demolition permit was issued during the prior calendar year, provided that demolition work has commenced and energy-related systems have been significantly compromised.

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

• Due to special circumstances unique to the applicant’s facility and not based on a condition caused by the actions of the applicant, strict compliance with provisions of this ordinance would not be in the public interest.

• Financial hardship:

  • Building had arrears of property taxes or water or refuse charges that resulted in the property’s inclusion, within the prior two (2) years, on the city’s annual tax lien sale list.

  • Building had a court-appointed receiver in control of the assets due to financial distress.

  • Building is owned by a financial institution through default by the borrower.

  • Building has been acquired by a deed in lieu of foreclosure.

  • Building has a senior mortgage subject to a notice of default.

• The property does not have a certificate of occupancy or temporary certificate of occupancy for all 12 months of the calendar year being benchmarked.

• The building had average physical occupancy of less than 50 percent throughout 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 May 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 that’s required for reporting.

The fines for non-compliance range from $50 to $200 per offense. Buildings not in compliance with the ordinance will not be eligible for the issuance of new residential or commercial occupancy permits.

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.

• St. Louis Building Energy Awareness Program

• St. Louis' Energy Benchmarking Ordinance

• St. Louis Building Energy Performance Standard

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