—Seattle Energy Benchmarking & Reporting
Owners and property managers in Seattle with non-residential buildings greater than 50,000 square feet should check that their building(s) 2011 annual energy performance was reported to the City of Seattle. Since October 2011, most buildings of this size have been required to report. A list of buildings larger than 50,000 square feet that are subject to the ordinance is now available on the website, www.seattle.gov/EnergyBenchmarking.
Non-residential buildings 10,000 square feet or greater and multifamily buildings with five or more units have a “grace period” until at least October 1, 2012 to comply with energy performance reporting.
How to Comply
Buildings owners and managers are encouraged to use the free resources to get ahead of enforcement. First, visit the website to review the four steps to comply and download the How to Guide. Many local businesses also provide benchmarking services.
Free Benchmarking Resources
Workshops: Follow the links for details and registration. All workshops are held at the University of Washington in Seattle.
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June 13, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: http://esbworkshop03.eventbrite.com
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July 18, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: http://esbenchmarkingworkshop.eventbrite.com
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August 22, 12:30 – 4:30pm: http://esbenchmarkingworkshop02.eventbrite.com
Drop-In Help: Wednesdays at the Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 5th Avenue, 18th floor, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Helpline: (206) 727-8484 (8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. M-F) or EnergyBenchmarking@seattle.gov
Website: www.seattle.gov/EnergyBenchmarking
Already Benchmarking? Tips to Check Compliance for 2011
If you already benchmark your building’s energy performance as a best practice, please make sure that data has also been reported to the City. This is a simple step in EPA Portfolio Manager. Just follow step 4 in the How to Guide.
If you signed up for Seattle City Light’s automated benchmarking services (ABS), your electric use data should be automatically uploading quarterly. Check your Portfolio Manager account to confirm there is current electric use data. If you do not see data, email
scl_portfolio_manager@seattle.gov or call the helpline, (206) 727-8484. Puget Sound Energy’s ABS (if you have gas service) requires an annual data re-request. Contact PSE at automatedbenchmarking@pse.com or call (425) 456-2494 for instructions if you did not re-request 2011 gas data.
Energy benchmarking is an industry best practice and national trend. Seattle is one of five cities nationwide with reporting requirements, and many other cities and states are considering similar measures. The City of Seattle’s goal is that everyone will benefit when the energy use of all our buildings is more visible. Program outcomes include: lowering energy costs to owners and tenants, creating job opportunities, and reducing greenhouse gas impacts. Visit www.seattle.gov/EnergyBenchmarking to learn more.
Submitted by Nicole Ballinger, Outreach Advisor – Energy Benchmarking & Reporting Program, City of Seattle Office of Sustainability & Environment