Large building benchmarking program

Reported benchmarking data includes:

• Building address
• Energy use intensity (EUI)
• Annual greenhouse gas emissions
• The energy performance score that compares the energy use of the building to that of similar properties, where available.

Data will be used to:

• Benchmark energy consumption
• Compare energy usage
• Identify places for energy improvements
• Empower property owners to compare the performance of their building to itself, neighboring buildings, and industry standards.

The data may also reveal long-term utility cost savings opportunities to property owners.

The Large Building Benchmarking program applies to ~200 buildings.

Large commercial, public, and multifamily buildings are included but industrial buildings are not.

2022 Covered Buildings List

Building owners benchmark their building for the previous calendar year and submit data to the City using the EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager by June 1 each year, a date which is consistent with surrounding cities. Data is submitted in three groups. See chart below for details.

• Training Opportunities 
  • Efficient Buildings Collaborative: Benchmarking Training / Help Session #1 - March 29, 2022 (Recording)
  • Efficient Buildings Collaborative: Benchmarking Training / Help Session #2 - April 28, 2022
  • Benchmarking Training and Help Session at Bloomington Public Works - May 11, 2022 
• Instructional videos on how to report data are available on the Efficient Buildings Collaborative website under “For Building Owners.”
• View the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager Quick Start Guide or contact the Efficient Buildings Collaborative help desk for additional guidance.

In August 2023, data for public, multifamily, and commercial buildings over 100,000 sq. ft. will be included on Hennepin County’s Efficient Buildings Collaborative Property Map. Starting in August 2024, data for public, multifamily, and commercial buildings over 75,000 sq ft will be added.

The focus of the program is on benchmarking education, and there will be no enforcement for each building's first year of benchmarking. Starting in year two, civil penalties will be an enforcement option. These will be considered after reminders are given. Enforcement details are outlined in the City of Bloomington's City Code. Exemptions can also be found the City of Bloomington's City Code. 

Over 30 cities are showing that the building market thrives on information. Total building energy use in cities with benchmarking policies on average drops 1-3 percent annually. In Minnesota, the City of Minneapolis’ commercial benchmarking policy has recorded over 400 buildings since 2013 and recently expanded to include multifamily buildings, while Edina, St. Louis Park, and Saint Paul are currently in year three implementing their policies. See a map of policies across the U.S.

If your benchmarking results indicated high energy usage per square foot and potential areas for improvements, your building could benefit from these resources:

• Xcel Energy Business Programs & Rebates
• CenterPoint Energy Business Programs & Rebates 
• Minnesota PACE Financing