Energy Benchmarking & Verification Compliance

We are a Chicago-based firm assisting clients across the U.S. We service municipalities, counties, and states across the county and are aptly qualitied to assist you both near and far.

For the past decade, we have been assisting properties of all types and sizes achieve compliance across the region.

Learn more about our benchmarking services

  • Is this your first time reporting? Don’t know where to start? Allow us to handle the set-up of your facility’s EnergyStar Portfolio Manager profile. Once complete, the Portfolio Manager profile will be yours -- we believe in client's autonomy and the ability to work with others.

  • Most municipalities and states require you to submit the previous calendar year's worth of energy consumption data each year. We free up your staff’s time and handle the reporting requirement for you!

  • Most ordinances require the data to be verified by a licensed professional every 3rd year. When required, we will conduct an audit of your facility’s energy data, conduct an onsite inspection, and help resolve any abnormalities prior to either submitting on your behalf or giving you the green light to submit.

  • Like what you see above? We offer a comprehensive 3-year service to capture an entire cycle of reporting and verifying. Why worry about this year after year?

  • The benchmarking process does not need to end with ordinance compliance. Let’s leverage the process and understand what the results are telling us. We can conduct in-depth energy and operations audits and help you achieve better performance. Better performance translates to dollars in your pocket through energy savings and social recognition.

Chicago FAQs

General

  • Generally, facilities greater than 50,000 square feet are required to report each year.

  • Get in touch! The letter will include basic information, like your facility’s address, benchmarking ID number, and the compliance deadline.

  • Energy consumption data is reported online utilizing EnergyStar Portfolio Manager, a free interactive resource management tool that enables you to benchmark the energy use of any type of building.

  • The notice that you received will state what year verification is required in. If the year indicated is not this year then verification is not required this year.

  • Verification is performed by a licensed professional and involves a review of your facility’s profile in EnergyStar Portfolio Manager, a review of the energy consumption data, and an in-person site visit. The purpose of this process is to ensure that the data presented accurately reflects your building’s physical characteristics and that the energy data reported captures all consumption for the site.

  • If verification is required, we will schedule a date and time to visit your site and meet with a knowledgeable member of your staff. We will tour main mechanical areas to document meter numbers and quantities, walk around the general site to confirm physical characteristics, and may ask basic questions about your facility. You can expect the visit to be completed in 30 minutes!

  • Once the data is entered, a report can be generated through Portfolio Manager and submitted to the municipality. For on-time submissions, clients will receive an email response from the City in 1-2 weeks confirming that the submission was received and your obligations are fulfilled.

  • Forgot to submit by the June 30 deadline? If the deadline has passed, the City will mail properties an Official Notice to Correct. Fear not, we can prioritize your property and achieve compliance in a timely manner.

    Will I receive a fine? It’s possible but unlikely. In our decade of experience we have yet to see a fine levied on one of our clients. This isn’t a promise though! However, engaging in the process in a timely manner demonstrates good-faith effort, and we can help liaise with the municipality to ensure they are aware you are taking an active role in correcting a mistake.

  • Yes, in fact there are four scenarios in which you may qualify for an exemption. They include: low occupancy (<50%), new construction, a change in ownership, and financial distress.