Buildings in NYC are required to submit the total energy and water usage annually. This process is referred to as benchmarking. It is mandated by the NYC ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 28-309.4.
- Local Law 84: Requires large building owners to submit benchmarking data (energy and water usage reports).
- Local Law 133: Requires mid-size building owners to submit benchmarking data (energy and water usage reports).
- Local Law 33: Requires building owners to display Energy Letter Grades and Benchmarking Scores at the entrance of their buildings in a visible place.
The benchmarking is required to be submitted no later than May 1. Failure to benchmark may result in violations on a quarterly basis of $500 per quarter, with a maximum of $2,000 per year.
Why Choose Us?
At Safari Engineering, we manage hundreds of benchmarking accounts on behalf of building owners and property managers. If you are getting a headache from managing all your utility accounts for benchmarking, simply give us a call!
Moreover, by managing your account, our dedicated agent for your account will also monitor other energy-related issues that you may not even notice, such as fees associated with local law non- compliance, building code violations, unusual energy peak demand, and more. A group of industry experts are working behind to monitor your facility and ready to support you at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key data includes utility bills (electricity, gas, etc.) and building characteristics (size, use, occupancy). Some benchmarking tools may require additional details about building systems and equipment.
Energy benchmarking assesses the actual energy performance of a building by comparing it to similar buildings, while energy modeling uses simulations to predict energy use based on design and operational parameters.
Energy benchmarking can help building owners and managers identify underperforming buildings, prioritize energy-saving measures, reduce operating costs, comply with regulations, and track progress toward energy efficiency goals.
In some jurisdictions, energy benchmarking is mandatory for certain types of buildings, typically larger commercial and municipal structures. Requirements vary by location, so it’s essential to check local regulations. Local Laws 84, 133, and 33 require building owners in NYC to benchmark their energy and water usage.
The frequency of benchmarking can vary depending on local regulations and building goals.
Annual benchmarking is common, but some organizations may choose to benchmark more frequently to closely monitor energy performance.
Benchmarking results can guide energy-saving strategies such as upgrading building systems, implementing energy-efficient technologies, optimizing operations, and educating occupants about energy conservation.