What the Law Says
Montgomery County’s Building Energy Benchmarking Law
Montgomery County Building Energy Benchmarking Law requires building owners to:,
- Track the energy use of buildings 25,000 gross square feet and greater in the county in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager,
- Have data verified by a Recognized Data Verifier the first year and every three years thereafter, and
- Report data to the County annually for public disclosure.
- Meet long-term site energy use intensity performance standards. For more information on compliance with Building Energy Performance Standards, visit DEP’s BEPS website.
In 2022 the benchmarking law was amended by Bill 16-21, Building Energy Benchmarking and Performance Standards. The amendments drop the benchmarking square footage threshold to 25,000 gross square feet and add multifamily and previously-exempted building types like warehouses and self-storage facilities. Group 3 commercial buildings 25k – 50k GSF + previously exempted commercial buildings of all sizes and Group 4 multifamily properties 250k+ GSF must begin report calendar year 2022 data by June 1, 2023.
Who is Required to Comply
The latest amendment in the law requires buildings from 25,000 gross square feet and add multifamily and previously-exempted building types like warehouses and self-storage facilities. Group 3 commercial buildings 25k – 50k GSF + previously exempted commercial buildings of all sizes and Group 4 multifamily properties 250k+ GSF must begin reporting calendar year 2022 data by June 1, 2023. You must track and report your energy consumption according to the City’s compliance deadlines.
Deadlines
June 1st of every year.
How to Report
Building owners must report their energy usage data to EPA’s Portfolio Manager. The Cotocon Group can help you with your Montgomery County Building Energy Benchmarking.
What are the fines Like?
The Benchmarking Law is enforceable under Method 2 regulations (including fines for noncompliance), and any violation of the law is a Class A violation. DEP will send out Notice of Violation to any building owner of a covered building who does not comply with the Law.