Why Benchmark?
Using ENERGY STAR® Portfolio
Manager
energystar.gov/benchmark
Flex Your Power 2006 Energy Summit
Los Angeles, CA
June 30, 2006
Stuart Brodsky
US Environmental Protection Agency
Key Points
Why Benchmark
Why ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
Learning to use ENERGY STAR Portfolio
Manager
Why Property Operators are
Benchmarking
Pursue improvements in energy efficiency
Establish a point of reference from which to
make comparisons
Baseline
Why Benchmark with ENERGY
STAR Portfolio Manager
Simple metric
1 to100 rating
Analytical tool based on statistical analysis
National peer comparison
Unbiased
Comprehensive development process with periodic updates
Extensive research—EPA, DOE, NOAA
Industry standard
4+ billion sf has been benchmarked using Portfolio Manager
Internationally recognized symbol of superior energy
performance and environmental protection
Why Benchmark with ENERGY
STAR Portfolio Manager
ENERGY STAR offers a strategy that
delivers results.
In 2005 alone:
savings of over $12 billion in energy
costs
avoided pollutants equivalent to
taking 23 million cars off U.S. roads
Learning to Use Portfolio
Manager
Perceived barriers to benchmarking
I do not know how
Time consuming
Gaining access to required data
Outsourcing is expensive
Three Methods for
Benchmarking
Manual input of data
Use a vendor that has adopted
automated transfer protocols
Excel spreadsheet data upload for
multiple facilities
Learning to Use Portfolio
Manager
Energystar.gov/benchmark
EPA conducts free live monthly web seminars
Pre-recorded web seminars
System tour of the tool
Frequently asked questions
Quick Reference Guides
Building Benchmarking Starter Kit
Industry association coordination
BOMA International’s BEEP
Perceived Barrier: Benchmarking is
Time Consuming
Estimated time = 1 – 2 ½ hours
Phase I. Initial Benchmarking
Data collection—up to 1-2 hours*
Data input—15-30 minutes
Phase II. Monthly updates
5 to 15 minutes
* Up to 2 weeks longer if multiple departments are managers of
required data. Use the Data Collection Template
Perceived Barrier: Gaining
Access to Required Data
Tracking these data points is a core element of good
overall management strategies
Required data varies with building type, core data for
competent building management
Building square footage
Occupancy rates
Occupancy hours
One year (minimum) monthly energy consumption from each
source
Computers or other key equipment
Zip code
Use the Data Collection Template
Challenges of Outsourcing
Many of your existing relationships may be part of the
process, such as ENERGY STAR Partners
Real estate property managers
Consulting engineering firms
Industry Associations participating in ENERGY STAR
Challenge
BOMA, others
Review the website
List of ENERGY STAR partners
ENERGY STAR Directory of Service and Product Providers
ENERGY STAR Challenge participants list
Perceived Barriers to
Outsourcing
Benchmarking is part of core element of
ENERGY STAR
Process with tangible and persistent
benefits
ENERGY STAR’s Statement of Energy
Performance and Facility Summary
Report
Documentation and verification
Next Steps
Distribution of resources
From ENERGY STAR
Through Flex Your Power
DGS
Other state entities
Conclusions
Benchmarking
Easier than assumed
Abundant resources to help
Benefits outweigh the requirements
Environmental
Financial