BENCHMARKING ENERGY & WATER USELocal Law 84
Introduction Benchmarking reveals the efficiency of underlying building systems. It also enables owners, managers, and prospective buyers or renters to evaluate operational performance in comparison to similar buildings. The legislation now requires buildings over 50,000 square feet to annually benchmark energy and water consumption. The New York Department of Environmental Protection will automatically upload water data commencing 2012; the water portion of benchmarking compliance will be voluntary in 2011. Requirements The owner or owner's agent must benchmark energy usage in 2011 with a compliance date May 1st, 2011; however non-compliance fines will not be issued until August 1st, 2011. The owner must request non-residential tenant energy data from tenants who are separately metered, and such tenants are obliged to furnish this information; however tenant non-compliance does not exempt the owner from Benchmarking the property. The Benchmarking process requires inputs of all types of energy used at the property, allocation of space type, and certain additional criterion such as the numbers of shift workers in commercial spaces, etc. Deadline For City buildings, benchmarking reporting begins no later than May 1, 2010 and is due every May 1 thereafter. For privately-owned buildings, benchmarking reporting begins no later than May 1, 2011, and is due every May 1 thereafter. Documentation The owner or owner's agent is responsible for reporting results through the EPA Portfolio Manager software to the City of New York. Benchmarking metrics include the energy utilization index, a rating comparing energy and water use to that of similar buildings, and comparison of data for the building across multiple years. The owner must keep relevant documentation for three years, including: the EPA confirmation notice of submission, proof of submittal of non-residential energy data request letters, back up on energy records for the property, and the calculations used to determine energy inputs in the Portfolio Manager program. Urban Green's Compliance and Checklist Guide Full text for NYC Local Law 84 |
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