The U.S. Department of Energy has released two resources to help analyze the energy, non-energy, and market transformation impacts of building energy benchmarking policies and programs.
One handbook provides methodologies for jurisdictions to use to analyze the impact of their benchmarking policies and programs. The second demonstrates the methodologies using real data from New York City’s benchmarking ordinance, Local Law 84 (LL84).
Building energy benchmarking is the process of measuring how efficiently a building uses energy relative to the other similar buildings over time. The DOE Benchmarking & Transparency Policy and Program Impact Evaluation Handbook provides cost-effective, standardized analytic methods for determining gross and net energy reduction, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions mitigation, job creation and economic growth impacts.
The second report found that between 2010 and 2013—the first four years of LL84—buildings covered by the ordinance reduced energy use by 5.7% and lowered greenhouse gas emissions by 8.3%. The benchmarking efforts directly created 39 jobs as well another roughly 7,000 jobs through energy-efficiency activities.
Related Stories
Building Materials | Mar 3, 2020
84 Lumber President Maggie Hardy Knox receives Career Achievement Award
Maggie Hardy Knox, President of 84 Lumber and Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, to receive Career Achievement Award.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 26, 2020
School districts in California are stepping in to provide affordable housing for faculty and staff
One high school district in Daly City has broken ground on 122-apartment building.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 23, 2020
A post-storm Puerto Rico reconsiders how and what to rebuild
Federal help means tougher code enforcement. And will this island of homeowners embrace renting?
| Feb 17, 2020
Interior designers weigh in on outdoor kitchens
Designers weigh in on outdoor kitchens
Multifamily Housing | Feb 12, 2020
4 products for your next multifamily project
These new products can help improve any new multifamily project.
Mixed-Use | Feb 7, 2020
Rising to the occasion
Roof deck entertainment spaces are popular amenities that present engineering and code complexities.
Multifamily Housing | Jan 31, 2020
Higher-income renters continue to drive what’s getting built and leased in the multifamily sector
Nearly half of all renters are “cost burdened,” according to the latest Joint Center for Housing Studies report.
Multifamily Housing | Jan 20, 2020
U.S. multifamily market posted solid gains in 2019
Rents grew 3% for the year, according to Yardi Matrix.
