Boston Approves Building Energy Benchmarking

Add Boston to the list of cities that have approved energy benchmarking. The city ordinance will require larger commercial and residential buildings to report annual energy and water usage to the city, making the information available for the public.

Seven other cities have enacted energy benchmarking including New York, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco. California and Washington are the only two states that have reporting requirements aimed at reducing carbon emissions by cutting energy consumption.

The Boston ordinance requires only the reporting of data and energy audits for less-efficient buildings. It is hoped that "creating transparency around energy use will result in market forces driving a reduction of greenhouse gases as owners take steps to improve efficiencies and remain competitive among tenants focused on operating costs and sustainable workplaces."

Transparency in commercial buildings is sure to stick around, and will undoubtly lead to improvements in energy performance and increased building values.

Source: Greenbiz.com

By Gaylen Davenport