Energy Benchmarking Rules for Condo Associations in Washington, D.C.
Condo associations in Washington, D.C. must follow specific rules for energy use tracking. They need to measure and report their energy use each year. This helps to see how much energy is being used and find ways to save.
Who Needs to Comply?Any condo building with 15,000 or more square feet of common area must participate.
How to Measure? The association must collect data from energy bills and use a tool to track the information.
Report Due Date Reports must be submitted by April 1 each year.
Where to Submit? Reports go to the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE).
Getting Help: Condo associations can get help from energy consultants or online resources to meet these requirements.
Energy benchmarking is an important part of making buildings, including your condo association more sustainable. It shows how much energy a building uses and points out where it can be better. In Washington, D.C., condo associations must follow local energy rules. These rules help the city reach its energy and climate goals and track condo association compliance. It's important for condo associations to understand these rules. This helps them follow the law, save money, and help the environment.
What is Energy Benchmarking?
Energy benchmarking means checking how much energy a building uses and comparing it to similar condo buildings. This helps to see how energy efficient the building is. This process typically uses tools like the Energy Star Portfolio Manager*, which analyzes a condo association's energy performance based on data such as energy use (electricity, heating, cooling, etc.), building size, and operations.
The purpose of benchmarking is to:
- Evaluate performance: Measure how well the condo association is performing in terms of energy efficiency.
- Identify savings opportunities: Recognize areas where energy can be saved, reducing utility bills and environmental impact.
- Track Condo Association Compliance with Regulations: Meet legal obligations under local energy and climate policies.
Energy Benchmarking in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. wants to lower its carbon emissions and make buildings more energy efficient.In line with its sustainability and climate initiatives, the city has introduced energy benchmarking regulations for large buildings, including those run by condominium associations.These requirements are part of the Clean Energy DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2018 and the regulations linked to it. The law mandates that buildings over a certain size must submit annual energy benchmarking reports, which provide the D.C. Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) with data on their energy usage. These reports help the city see how it is doing with climate goals. They also give building owners tools to save energy.
Who Needs to Benchmark Energy Use?
In Washington, D.C., privately owned buildings over 15,000 square feet, such as condo associations, must follow energy benchmarking rules. This applies to residential, commercial, or mixed-use structures.
This includes many condo associations within the city. Buildings combining commercial and residential areas that exceed 15,000 square feet must adhere to energy benchmarking regulations.
Additionally, the law also includes phased requirements based on building size:
- Buildings between 15,000 and 50,000 square feet must begin benchmarking in 2025.
- Buildings over 15,000 square feet must have their energy data submitted to the DOEE by April 1 of each year.
This means that if your condo association's building(s) fall within these thresholds, you’ll need to submit an energy benchmarking report annually to remain in compliance with local laws. Ask your condo manager if any relevant data is included in your reserve study.
Key Requirements for Condo Associations
Condo associations need to use the Energy Star Portfolio Manager. This tool helps them gather information about how much energy they use.
This tool is free and user-friendly, providing insights into energy consumption trends and offering comparisons to similar buildings.
Condo associations need to send their energy data to the DOEE by April 1st every year.
This includes information such as:
- Annual energy consumption (electricity, gas, etc.)
- Building type and characteristics (size, usage, etc.)
- Energy performance scores (if applicable)
3. Certification Requirement: For buildings that earn a score of 75 or higher on Energy Star’s scale (out of 100), condo associations may be eligible for recognition as an “Energy Star” building. This is an honor that can improve a building’s marketability and help with tenant retention.
4. Record Keeping and Transparency: Condo associations must maintain energy use data for at least 5 years. These records should be available for inspection in the event of an audit for condo association compliance.
5. Condo Compliance Enforcement: The DOEE is responsible for enforcing compliance with these requirements. If a condo association fails to submit the required reports, penalties can be applied, including fines. To avoid fines, condo associations should ensure they are up-to-date with reporting deadlines and accurate data submission.
Why Benchmarking is Important for Condo Associations
1. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
By benchmarking energy use, condo associations can identify inefficiencies and potential areas for improvement. For example, a building may find that its HVAC systems or lighting are outdated and inefficient.
Changing or updating these systems can save energy over time. This will lower utility bills for condo owners and renters.
2. Compliance with Local Regulations
Washington, D.C. has big energy and climate goals. One goal is to cut building energy use by 50% by 2032.
Benchmarking is a critical tool for tracking progress toward these goals. Condo associations that meet the annual benchmarking requirements avoid penalties and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.
3. Marketability and Property Value
Buildings with a high energy efficiency score, particularly those earning the Energy Star* designation, can become more attractive to potential buyers or renters.
Energy-efficient buildings are usually preferred. They have lower costs to run and help create a better living space.
4. Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility
Condo associations that focus on saving energy help the city lower its carbon footprint.
The benchmarking process gives condo associations important information. This helps them make smart choices about improving energy efficiency. It also supports Washington D.C.'s goals for being more sustainable.
How Condo Associations Can Get Started
Check the size of your building and who owns it. Make sure your condo association is at least 15,000 square feet or see if it has different rules.
1. Make an Energy Star Portfolio Manager Account: This is the main tool for sending energy data to the DOEE.
The software is free, and instructions are available on the Energy Star* website. This is the first step in making sure your condo association is in compliance.
2. Track and Collect Energy Data: Gather energy consumption data for all utility services used in your condo association (electricity, gas, water, etc.) from utility providers to use in a report for your condo association compliance.
3. Finsh the Benchmarking Report: Enter data into the Energy Star Portfolio Manager and create the yearly report.
Ensure all details are accurate and up to date for your condo association. This is an area that your condo management company may be able to assist in!
4. Submit the Report: Submit your report to the DOEE by April 1st each year. You can access submission instructions through the city’s benchmarking portal.
5. Review and Plan for Changes: After you submit your data, check the energy score for your condo association. Think about what changes you can make to lower energy use and boost efficiency.
Conclusion
Energy benchmarking is important for condo associations in Washington, D.C. The city focuses on sustainability and energy efficiency. Condo associations need to follow the rules for energy benchmarking. By doing this, they avoid fines and lower costs. They also improve building performance and support the city's environmental goals for the future. By using benchmarking data, condo associations can improve their energy use. This helps save money and is good for the environment.
Getting started with benchmarking may take a little time and effort, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the challenges.
