Des Moines Energy and Water Benchmarking: Program Paused
What is Des Moines's benchmarking ordinance?
Des Moines benchmarking comes from a 2019 City ordinance that asked owners of commercial, public and multifamily buildings of 25,000 square feet or more to benchmark their energy and water use every year and report it to the City.
2026 update: The City has stopped running the program. In July 2026, city staff told Council that tracking ended after 2023 state legislation limited local energy mandates, citing staffing and budget limits too. The ordinance was not formally repealed, and Council is discussing whether to restart it.
Which buildings were covered in Des Moines?
- Commercial buildings of 25,000 sq ft or more
- Public buildings of 25,000 sq ft or more
- Multifamily buildings of 25,000 sq ft or more with five or more units
Under a “campus rule,” a parcel whose buildings added up to more than 25,000 sq ft had all of its buildings benchmarked. These buildings are not being asked to report while the program is paused.
Is there a penalty for not reporting?
- No penalties now: the City is not collecting reports while the program is paused.
- No fines were ever assessed: a proposed amendment would have set fines of $300 and $500 per building, but the City never issued penalties.
- State limits: Iowa’s 2023 law (HF 605) bars cities from requiring private buildings to cut energy use or perform better than similar buildings.
How do I benchmark voluntarily?
Many Des Moines owners still benchmark to manage costs. It takes the same steps through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager:
- First, set up your property in Portfolio Manager with accurate floor area and use details.
- Next, request whole-building electricity and gas data from MidAmerican Energy.
- Add water data from Des Moines Water Works.
- Then enter 12 full months of data and run the Data Quality Checker.
- Finally, review your ENERGY STAR score and track it year over year.
Is there a benchmarking deadline in Des Moines?
Not right now. The City used July 1 as its annual reporting date, but it is not collecting reports while the program is paused.
Current statusProgram paused no required filing date
If Council restarts the program, owners would likely get notice before a new deadline. Energy Fave will update this page if that happens.
What changed in Des Moines?
Here is how the program compares then and now:
| Topic | Under the 2019 ordinance | Status in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Reporting | Required for buildings 25,000+ sq ft | Not being collected |
| Deadline | July 1 each year | None |
| Penalties | None assessed | None |
| Ordinance | Adopted 2019 | Still on the books, not enforced |
| Next step | — | Council discussing a restart |
Own buildings elsewhere? The Iowa law and the Des Moines pause do not affect benchmarking laws in other states. See our full list of benchmarking laws.
What utilities are used for benchmarking?
- Water
- Electricity
- Natural Gas
- District Steam
- District Chilled Water
The 2019 ordinance asked for both energy and water data.
Why benchmark if it is not required?
Benchmarking is one of the simplest ways to cut operating costs. It gives owners two main benefits:
Find savings. Comparing your building with similar buildings shows where you use more energy and water than you should.
Prove performance. Tenants, buyers and lenders increasingly ask for energy data. Buildings scoring 75 or higher can earn ENERGY STAR certification.
See our guides for Minneapolis and Kansas City, or our full energy benchmarking compliance guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is benchmarking required in Des Moines right now?
No. The City stopped running its program and is not collecting reports, although the 2019 ordinance has not been repealed.
Why did the program stop?
City staff cited 2023 Iowa legislation limiting local energy mandates, along with reduced staffing and budget limits.
Could the program come back?
Yes. In 2026 the City Council began discussing whether to restart it. We will update this page if a new deadline is set.
Were any fines ever issued?
No. The City never assessed penalties under the ordinance.
Can Energy Fave help me benchmark anyway?
Yes. Energy Fave can set up Portfolio Manager, collect utility data and help you pursue ENERGY STAR certification.
Interested in benchmarking help?
Des Moines at a Glance
- Status
- Paused, not enforced
- Was covered
- Buildings 25,000+ sq ft
- Deadline
- None right now
- Penalty
- None
- Reporting tool
- ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager