Benchmarking

Energy benchmarking is the process of measuring a building’s energy use over time and using this information to determine how a building’s energy performance compares to buildings of similar occupancy and size.  This information helps building owners and occupants understand their energy usage and identify opportunities to reduce their consumption.

Energy consumption from businesses accounts for almost 45% of Wisconsin’s annual energy use¹.  A study done by the Institute of Market Transformation (IMT) found the poorest performing buildings use three to seven times the energy of the highest performing buildings for the exact same building use².  Through benchmarking, building owners and occupants can better understand how their buildings use energy so they can make smarter and more cost-effective facility improvements.  
Here are just a few reasons building owners and operators should consider benchmarking their facility:

• Benchmarking information can guide energy efficiency upgrade plans and justify energy efficiency improvements
• Benchmarking establishes a starting point for energy savings goals to track against and gauge progress as projects are completed 
• Benchmarking often uncovers equipment malfunctions or maintenance issues to give energy savings a jump start

One of the easiest ways to start on benchmarking a building is through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager^®.  This online tool was created by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to track energy consumption and can be used for any type of building. It’s a free program utilized to benchmark nearly 25% of U.S. commercial building spaces. ENERGY STAR offers a wide variety of resources and trainings to help get started.  

What could you do with the money you save? Get started with the help of Focus on Energy by calling 800.762.7077 or emailing business@focusonenergy.com.

Resources:

• Energy Efficiency Best Practice Guides
• Benchmarking for Schools 

See the benefits of benchmarking your facilities for years to come and get rewarded for committing to benchmarking for a year. Customers that engage in this offering will not only receive $1,000 at the end of the year for meeting the requirements detailed below, they will also receive a 25% incentive bonus on their first project after completion of the offering. Customers can participate in this offering once every five years and the offering is limited to 10 customers per year.

Benchmarking enrollment is limited to 10 customers.

Enroll by May 31 by completing the online K-12 & Local Government Benchmarking Enrollment form.