Commercial Building Energy Benchmarking in the Bay Area

Energy benchmarking measures a building’s energy use over time and compares its performance with similar properties. California requires many large commercial and multifamily buildings to report energy information annually, while some Bay Area cities operate local programs.

Which buildings may be covered?

The California Energy Commission identifies disclosable buildings as those with more than 50,000 square feet of gross floor area that meet the program’s commercial or multifamily criteria.

Annual deadline

State benchmarking reports for the previous calendar year are due June 1 annually. Beginning in 2023, reports require a California Benchmarking Reference Number associated with the building. Exemptions are not permanent and generally must be requested again each year.

Use ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager

The process generally includes creating or accessing an ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager account, adding the property, entering building characteristics, obtaining utility data, adding the Benchmarking Reference Number, reviewing data quality and submitting through the current CEC reporting link.

Gather information early

Collect building address, gross floor area, property type, year built, occupancy, operating hours, utility meters, tenant accounts, energy use, Portfolio Manager ID, Benchmarking Reference Number, prior reports and exemption records.

Confirm local program requirements

For a Bay Area portfolio, create a matrix showing property, city, square footage, use, state reporting status, local reporting status, deadline, responsible person, utility-data status and submission confirmation.

Use benchmarking to guide improvements

Benchmarking can identify properties that may benefit from HVAC scheduling, controls optimization, lighting upgrades, building-envelope work, equipment replacement, commissioning, solar, energy storage and tenant engagement.

Questions to ask an energy consultant

• Does this building need state or local reporting?
• Which utility accounts are required?
• Is an exemption available?
• Who owns the Portfolio Manager account?
• How will data quality be checked?
• Will you provide submission confirmation?
• Can the benchmark support capital planning?

Find Bay Area energy professionals

SF Bay Area Commercial Services helps owners find building-controls companies, commercial HVAC providers, energy consultants, electricians and solar contractors.