Chicago Energy Benchmarking

What the Law Says

Chicago’s Energy Use Benchmarking Ordinance (EUBO)

Under the Chicago Energy Benchmarking Ordinance, the City reports annually on energy findings and trends, and the ordinance authorizes the City to share building-specific data with the public beginning with buildings’ second year of reported information.

 

Chicago’s Energy Use Benchmarking Ordinance requires all commercial, residential, and government buildings larger than 50,000 square feet to annually track whole-building energy use, verify data accuracy, and report to the City. The law covers over 900 million square feet (sq ft) of real estate, the second highest of all U.S. cities with comparable laws. There was opposition to the Amendments, in particular, concern has been raised about the new rating system being imposed on building owners.

Who is Required to Comply

If you own a residential, commercial, or municipal building Energy Benchmarking with 50,000 square feet or more, you must begin tracking and reporting your energy consumption according to the City’s compliance deadlines. Verification of data by a licensed professional is required every three years.

Deadlines

The compliance deadline for benchmarking reports is June 1. As a reminder, energy benchmarking reports are due annually from all properties, and data verification is required once every three years. To determine if you are required to verify data this year, check the compliance notification letter sent by the City, which you should receive by mid to late March.

How to Report

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. The Cotocon Group has extensive experience in Chicago Building Energy Benchmarking Performance. Contact us for help!

What are the fines Like?

Fines: $100.00 for the first violation, and an additional fine of up to $25.00 for each day that the violation continues.

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