Energy Benchmarking Services
What is energy benchmarking?
Energy benchmarking is the process of measuring a building’s energy use over 12 months and comparing it with similar buildings and with its own past performance. In the US, it is done in the EPA’s free ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool, which calculates the building’s energy use intensity (EUI) and, for many property types, a 1–100 ENERGY STAR score.
More than 50 US cities and states now require large buildings to benchmark every year. Energy Fave’s energy benchmarking services take care of the whole process, from collecting utility data to filing your report on time, so your buildings stay compliant and you get data you can act on.
Our energy benchmarking services
We handle every step of benchmarking compliance for commercial, multifamily and public buildings:
- Compliance review: we confirm which benchmarking, verification and performance laws apply to each property.
- Utility data collection: we request whole-building and tenant data from utilities, including electricity, gas, water, steam and delivered fuels.
- Portfolio Manager setup and cleanup: we build or fix property profiles, meters and use details so your results are accurate.
- Quality checks: we look for gaps, estimates and unusual swings before anything is submitted.
- Third-party verification: we coordinate third-party verification in required years, and our licensed engineers can serve as verifier where program rules allow.
- On-time filing: we submit to your city or state portal before the deadline and send you a confirmation.
- Next steps: we flag savings opportunities, ENERGY STAR certification eligibility and upcoming performance standards.
Who needs energy benchmarking?
Benchmarking laws usually cover commercial and multifamily buildings above a size threshold, typically between 10,000 and 50,000 sq ft. Here are some of the largest programs:
| City or state | Size threshold | Annual deadline |
|---|---|---|
| New York City (LL84) | Over 25,000 sq ft | May 1 |
| Washington, DC | 10,000+ sq ft | May 3, 2027 |
| Boston (BERDO 2.0) | 20,000+ sq ft or 15+ units | May 15 |
| Chicago | 50,000+ sq ft | June 1 |
| California (AB 802) | Over 50,000 sq ft | June 1 |
| Seattle | 20,000+ sq ft | June 1 |
| Energize Denver | 25,000+ sq ft | June 1 |
| Maryland BEPS | 35,000+ sq ft | June 1 |
| Philadelphia | 50,000+ sq ft | June 30 |
See every program, including more than 50 cities and states, in our energy benchmarking compliance guide.
Our energy benchmarking process
- First, we review your portfolio and list every law, deadline and verification year that applies.
- Next, we request 12 months of utility data, or set up automatic data exchange where utilities offer it.
- Then we update Portfolio Manager: property details, floor area, use details and every meter.
- After that, we run quality checks and, in verification years, complete the third-party review.
- We then file your report with the city or state and send you a copy of the submission.
- Finally, we share your results, including EUI, ENERGY STAR score and savings ideas, so you can plan ahead.
Deadlines are comingMost 2027 reports are due between May 1 and June 30
Benefits of energy benchmarking
- Avoid fines: missed reports can lead to daily or quarterly penalties in many cities.
- Find savings: comparing EUI across buildings shows where energy is being wasted.
- Catch billing errors: reviewing 12 months of bills often reveals meter or billing problems.
- Prepare for performance standards: benchmarking data sets the baseline for future energy and emissions targets.
- Earn recognition: buildings scoring 75 or higher can apply for ENERGY STAR certification.
Why choose Energy Fave?
Energy Fave was founded in 2015 in Houston, Texas, and is a women-owned (WOSB and EDWOSB) business serving clients nationwide. Our team includes Professional Engineers, Certified Energy Managers, auditors and sustainability consultants, and we are members of AEE and USGBC.
- More than 2,100 ENERGY STAR certified buildings
- Energy analysis services on more than 280 buildings
- More than 250 energy modeling projects
What utilities are required for benchmarking reporting?
- Water
- Electricity
- Natural Gas
- District Energy
- Any other purchased fuel
Energy benchmarking FAQs
What is energy benchmarking?
Energy benchmarking measures a building’s energy use over 12 months and compares it with similar buildings, usually in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. Many cities and states require it every year.
Which buildings must benchmark?
It depends on the law. Most programs cover commercial and multifamily buildings above a size threshold between 10,000 and 50,000 sq ft. Our compliance guide lists the rules for each city and state.
What is ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager?
It is the EPA’s free online tool for tracking building energy and water use. Most benchmarking laws require owners to report through it.
How long does energy benchmarking take?
The report itself is quick once the data is ready. Collecting 12 months of utility data usually takes the most time, so we recommend starting in January.
Is benchmarking data made public?
Many cities publish benchmarking results, including New York City, Chicago and Washington, DC, so your building’s score may be visible to tenants and buyers.
Do you provide third-party verification?
Yes. We coordinate verification in required years, and our licensed engineers can serve as verifier where program rules allow an independent professional.
Also see our energy audit compliance guide and our guide to third-party verification.
Interested in benchmarking help?
Benchmarking at a Glance
- Laws in effect
- 50+ US cities and states
- Reporting tool
- ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
- Typical deadlines
- May 1 to June 30
- Typical threshold
- 10,000–50,000 sq ft
- Verification
- Some cities, every 3–5 years