by Brianna Crandall — April 28, 2017 — New York City facilities managers (FMs) who measure the energy performance of their buildings are investing in energy-saving technologies and operational improvements in order to improve their buildings’ energy efficiency, according to a survey conducted by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) in 2016. The study adds to the evidence that cities’ building energy benchmarking and transparency ordinances are indeed having a positive impact on energy efficiency.
The survey found that 84 percent of FMs who benchmarked their facilities’ energy use made a low- or no-cost operational change to improve their buildings’ performance, while 82% invested in new equipment to improve their buildings’ energy performance. The most common investments included lighting and lighting controls, heating and cooling upgrades, and energy management systems.
Kyle Pitsor, vice president of Government Relations at NEMA, stated:
This survey adds to the growing evidence that building energy benchmarking and transparency ordinances are prompting facility managers and building owners to make investments in energy-efficient equipment and low- or no-cost operational changes. Other cities should consider adopting building energy benchmarking and transparency policies similar to New York City’s Local Law 84 to spur energy savings and to support the manufacturing and construction jobs that stem from building upgrades.
Cities around the United States are implementing building energy benchmarking and transparency ordinances that require large buildings to measure and disclose their energy use as a way to encourage energy efficiency improvements. These policies allow building owners and occupants to compare the energy performance of their buildings with that of similar buildings.
Multiple studies have shown that commercial, multifamily, and public buildings that have benchmarked energy use pursuant to city benchmarking ordinances have reduced their energy use intensity and increased their ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager scores faster than buildings not subject to such laws. These findings are consistent with the conclusion that benchmarking laws are catalyzing increased building efficiency.
The results of the 52-page Boosting Building Energy Upgrades through Benchmarking Policies survey are available from NEMA’s High-Performance Buildings Council Web page.
