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Tag: 2022 Benchmark Deadlines

  • San Jose Building Performance Ordinance Beyond Benchmarking Requirements

    San Jose Building Performance Ordinance Beyond Benchmarking Requirements

    San Jose, California’s bustling city, is leading the way on green solutions with its recently-introduced Building Performance Ordinance. This ordinance goes beyond benchmarking requirements currently employed in other areas to ensure that buildings are as efficient and sustainable as possible.

    For those looking for a guide on how their commercial and multifamily buildings can reach optimal performance in an environmentally conscious manner, the Building Performance Ordinance could very well have your answers! Read on to learn more about what this unique approach encompasses and why it’s important for cities like San Jose if we hope to usher in greener times.

    What Is San Jose Benchmarking?

    San Jose Benchmarking is an efficiency program that focuses on assessing energy and water services in buildings. Under the San Jose Water Building Performance Ordinance, commercial and multi-family residential buildings must meet energy and water performance standards that have been established for their respective building types. This program can track energy use over time, resulting in energy cost savings for building owners and occupants.

    Additionally, the benchmarking process ensures that energy and water services are being used responsibly, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings. With San Jose Benchmarking, energy or water services is closely monitored to enable progress towards improving energy efficiency while providing necessary services responsibly.

    Who Can Comply With San Jose Energy Benchmarking?

    San Jose Energy Benchmarking is an important and beneficial measure to take when looking to improve efficiency in energy and water services. Residents, businesses, and city properties can comply with the San Jose Energy Benchmarking standards as it provides a comprehensive list of efficiency improvement measures.

    These include reducing electricity and gas usage, efficiently using drinking water resources, capitalizing on efficiency investments, and more. With the help of San Jose Energy Benchmarking, many different entities have begun implementing efficiency measures that otherwise may have gone unrealized.

    San Jose building performance ordinance beyond benchmarking requirements

    San Jose Benchmarking Requirements

    The San Jose Building Performance Ordinance goes beyond the benchmarking requirements imposed on buildings and continually seeks to improve energy performance in the city. It outlines weather normalized site energy standards necessary for compliance with the ordinance. It also provides guidance on adopting efficiency improvement measures to realize greater savings than merely meeting those minimum standards.

    This deeper focus on energy consumption cycles is one of the reasons why San Jose’s building performance ordinance has become increasingly important and regarded as an example of proven success, pushing the envelope forward in building energy efficiency.

    What Are Requirements For San Jose Energy Benchmarking?

    The City of San Jose has implemented energy benchmarking requirements to help reduce citywide energy usage and bolster performance. These requirements involve a performance verification report for all gas water heaters, which must occur every 5 years for commercial buildings holding natural gas accounts.

    Additionally, the energy performance of qualifying buildings over 20,000 square feet must be assessed at least once every three years, with performance scoring determined through the ENERGYSTAR Portfolio Manager. In these situations, building owners are given improvement pathways they can use to enhance their performance in order to achieve maximum efficiency.

    Deadline For San Jose Energy Benchmarking Report

    The energy benchmarking deadline for San Jose is fast approaching. If your energy or water audit report has not yet been submitted, it’s time to move into action and get it in before the date of August 1st.

    While energy efficiency programs may require some effort to ensure compliance, they ultimately save energy and water while cutting money off energy bills. Take advantage of this great opportunity to better steward energy and the environment by submitting your report quickly and accurately. You can create an energy efficient living or working space with the right steps in no time.

    Penalty For San Jose Energy Benchmarking Report

    The energy and water savings achieved by energy benchmarking reports in the city of San Jose have recently been rewarded. Property owners who produce an energy benchmarking report, which informs their energy star score, are eligible to receive financial incentives for energy efficiency investments. These energy savings amount to more than enough energy to power over 1,200 homes.

    Additionally, with these incentives come further energy reductions so that San Jose is on track towards meeting its energy reduction goals set forth in the Climate Action Plan. Taking advantage of energy benchmarking and energy star score reports can immensely impact energy savings that benefit the community — giving you a fantastic opportunity to make a positive difference!

    Benefits Of San Jose Energy Benchmarking

    San Jose Energy Benchmarking helps to track energy usage and identify areas for improvement, allowing businesses and homeowners alike to reduce their energy consumption and save money. It can also help buildings meet various performance standards set by the city of San Jose, such as Title 24 or LEED certification. Some of the key benefits of San Jose Energy Benchmarking include:

    • Identifying Energy Usage: San Jose Energy Benchmarking makes it easy to track and compare energy usage and identify trends and pinpoint areas for improvement. This can help businesses reduce their overall energy costs and become more efficient.

    • Real-Time Metrics: With San Jose Energy Benchmarking, businesses and homeowners can access real-time energy usage data to act quickly to make changes and reduce their energy costs.

    • Compliance with Regulations: San Jose Energy Benchmarking helps buildings meet various performance standards set by the city of San Jose, such as Title 24 or LEED certification. This helps ensure that buildings are built and operated in an environmentally-friendly manner.

    • Sustainable Building Practices: San Jose Energy Benchmarking can help businesses reduce their overall environmental impact by encouraging energy efficiency. This encourages sustainable building practices, helping to protect the environment for future generations.

    • Cost Savings: Businesses can save money on their utility bills by reducing energy usage. This can result in significant cost savings over the long term.

    San Jose Energy Benchmarking is an excellent way for businesses to reduce their energy costs, become more efficient, and meet environmental regulations. It’s a great tool for businesses and homeowners alike to ensure that buildings are run in a sustainable manner.

    Things To Consider When Complying With San Jose Benchmarking

    San Jose Benchmarking Guidelines

    1. Gather all the necessary information: To comply with the San Jose Benchmarking Law, businesses must first collect and analyze a range of data related to their building’s energy use. This includes utility bills, meter readings, and other records of energy consumption. Businesses should ensure they have all the necessary data before beginning the benchmarking process.

    2. Track progress over time: Benchmarking is an ongoing process, and businesses should track their progress to see if their energy use is improving or not. By monitoring their performance regularly, businesses can identify any areas of improvement that need to be addressed and make changes as necessary.

    3. Use the right tools: Analysis of energy data can be complex and time-consuming, so businesses should use the right tools to help them accurately analyze their energy consumption. San Jose offers a number of benchmarking tools that provide detailed information on energy performance and make it easier to track progress over time.

    4. Regularly update data: To ensure accurate benchmarking, businesses should regularly update their energy data with the most current information. This includes any changes in building operations or equipment and fluctuations in utility rates.

    5. Stay informed of developments: San Jose continually updates its benchmarking regulations, so businesses should stay up-to-date on any changes that could affect their operations. By staying informed, businesses can ensure they always comply with the law.

    6. Seek assistance if needed: Understanding and complying with all the benchmarking regulations can be complicated, so businesses may want to seek help from a professional if needed. San Jose offers a variety of resources to assist businesses with benchmarking and other energy-related issues.

    Following these steps can help businesses ensure they are in compliance with the San Jose Benchmarking Law and help them save money on their energy bills. With regular tracking of performance, businesses have a better chance of identifying areas where improvements can be made to reduce their energy consumption. Additionally, by staying informed of any changes to the law, businesses can ensure they remain in compliance and make any necessary adjustments as needed.

    The Final Verdict

    Beyond Energy Benchmarking Requirements: San Jose’s Building Performance Ordinance is a case study for other cities on how to make their own energy efficiency policies more effective. The ordinance goes beyond the requirements of previous citywide codes by mandating regular inspections and reporting, establishing new standards for insulation and windows, and creating an online scorecard system that allows residents to track the progress of individual buildings.

    Thanks to these measures, the city has seen a significant decrease in energy usage across all types of buildings since the ordinance was enacted. If your city wants to improve its energy efficiency policy, contact Vert Energy Group today. We can help you establish and implement best practices to save your municipality money while protecting the environment.

  • Local Law 84 Benchmarking Report

    Local Law 84 Benchmarking Report

    Are you a business in NYC feeling overwhelmed by the number of compliances to adhere to the Benchmarking Report, famously known as Local Law 84? Don’t fret – we’re here to help! Here at [insert your business], we guide businesses in understanding baseline year energy consumption and easily submitting their report.

    Our experts will provide detailed insights regarding the best practices for energy reduction and provide exemplary support throughout the process. With our assistance, you can be sure your building is taking all measures to save energy, and money, and contribute towards mitigating climate change! Join us today on this journey of creating a more sustainable future!

    What Is Local Law 84?

    Local Law 84 (LL84) is bringing about positive change to building efficiency in New York City. A part of the Greener, Greater Building Plan, LL84 requires two or more buildings on a single lot over 100,000 square feet to report their energy and water usage each year through benchmarking data. This helps owners and tenants better understand how they can make energy-saving changes through energy audits, enabling them to reduce their use and impact on the environment.

    Every person in all five boroughs of NYC has the opportunity to be a sustainability hero by submitting these annual energy reports. LL84 provides the platform for real results that can amplify sustainability efforts across the entire city—we just need to make sure we’re utilizing it!

    How Can Building Owners Track The Building’s Energy Efficiency?

    Building’s Energy and Water Consumption

    Building owners in New York have an essential responsibility: they must use an energy benchmarking tool to measure, track and report their building’s energy and water consumption.

    For Local Law 84 Compliance, the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool is utilized to generate an ENERGY STAR score, as well as the Building’s Energy Efficiency Rating or Energy Grade corresponding to NYC’s Local Law 95. In cases where tenant space is differently metered by a utility company, building owners must also submit their tenant-metered energy/water data.

    Non-compliance with each of these landmark regulations carries with it hefty quarterly fines, so it is paramount that all building owners understand and adhere to their requirements.

    What Are The Effects Of Ll84 On ROI?

    The LL84 has the following effects on ROI:

    Increased Energy Savings

    The LL84 requires buildings to meet specific energy efficiency standards, resulting in lower energy costs and associated savings for owners. This can lead to improved return on investment over time.

    Improved Comfort Levels

    Higher efficiency standards mean greater comfort levels within a building, leading to increased productivity and tenant satisfaction which can also lead to increased ROI.

    Increased Marketability

    Buildings that comply with LL84 standards can be more attractive to prospective tenants due to their energy efficiency, which means owners may be able to charge higher rents and receive better returns on their investments.

    Reduced Operating Total Cost

    Lower utility bills resulting from the improved energy efficiency of a building can also lead to reduced operating costs, which can improve ROI.

    Increased Property Value

    The improved energy efficiency resulting from the LL84 standards can also increase the value of a building in the long term, leading to higher returns on investments.

    Overall, implementing LL84 standards in buildings can lead to improved returns on corporate finance in the long run. By incurring initial costs for achieving LL84 compliance, owners can benefit from reduced energy bills, increased rents, and improved property values, leading to greater returns over time.

    Requirements For Ll84 Energy Benchmarking

    The requirements for Local Law 84 energy benchmarking are essential for ensuring efficient energy use across New York City. Complying with the requirements of this law not only makes a substantial impact on reducing carbon emissions but also creates a more cost-effective way to manage energy resources.

    All NYC buildings larger than 50,000 square feet are required to track their energy and water use every year and submit the information in an online portal run by the NYC Department of Buildings. By making sure you understand these simple requirements, you can easily help your building and the city advance toward sustainable energy solutions!

    Who Should Comply With LL84 Energy Benchmarking?

    The Local Law 84 energy benchmarking process is an important step in helping New York City create a more efficient and sustainable future. All buildings that are over 50,000 square feet and have been certified for occupancy for at least one year must comply with the law’s provisions.

    This includes commercial office spaces, residential rental properties, hotels and motels, shopping malls and centers, hospitals, nursing homes, and other large-scale institutional spaces. The LL84 requirements help property owners keep track of their buildings’ energy performance while providing them with the opportunity to reduce their energy costs through improved efficiency. By adhering to this law, we can all be part of the larger effort to make New York City greener and more efficient.

    Benefits Of Benchmarking Energy Consumption

    Let’s check out the benefits of benchmarking energy consumption:

    • Improved Efficiency: Benchmarking energy consumption helps to identify areas where efficiency gains can be made, helping to reduce overall energy usage and costs. This is especially beneficial for large organizations with complex systems or multiple buildings.
    • Reduced Emissions: By tracking and reducing energy use, companies can reduce their environmental impact by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This helps organizations meet their sustainability goals and combat climate change.
    • Increased Awareness: Benchmarking energy consumption raises awareness of how energy is used, encouraging employees to make more conscious choices about their own usage and promoting green initiatives within the company.
    • Enhanced Competitiveness: Having a clear understanding of energy consumption can give organizations an edge when competing for resources and contracts. This is especially true in competitive markets, where customers may be looking to do business with the most energy-efficient organization.
    • Improved Performance: Benchmarking can help identify areas of underperformance and allow energy managers to address them before they become bigger issues. This helps organizations save money while also ensuring that they are running at peak efficiency.
    • Cost Savings: By tracking and reducing energy consumption, organizations can save money by lowering their overall energy bills. In addition, benchmarking helps identify areas where equipment upgrades or other changes may be necessary to reduce energy costs in the long run.
    • Compliance with Regulations: Governments and other regulatory bodies often require organizations to track and report their energy consumption. Benchmarking can help ensure that these requirements are met, helping to avoid costly fines or other penalties.

    In short, benchmarking energy consumption can provide numerous benefits for businesses, from improved efficiency and reduced emissions to cost savings and enhanced competitiveness. As environmental regulations become increasingly strict, it is more important than ever for organizations to take steps to reduce their energy consumption. Benchmarking helps make this easier and can help most companies save money in the long run.

    Penalties For Non-Compliance With The LL84 Energy Benchmarking

    In New York City, non-compliance with Local Law 84 Energy Benchmarking can be costly for commercial building owners. Fines range from $500 to $2,000 a day and the building does not follow LL84 regulations. The violation persists every day and the correction of the issue is overdue until compliance is achieved. If a property is determined to be in violation of the law for six months or more, the environmental administrator will refer it to the Environmental Control Board, and hefty fines can result based on the severity of the offense. Building owners must ensure their properties meet LL84 compliance requirements to avoid costly penalties due to their actions.

    How To Get Started With Ll84 Benchmarking In Your Business?

    Start Ll84 Benchmarking In Your Business

    Here is how you can start with Ll84 benchmarking in your business:

    • Identify the areas that need improved energy efficiency in your business. This includes equipment, lighting, heating, and cooling systems, and other areas where energy is used.
    • Analyze the current energy usage of each area in order to determine how much can be saved by making changes or upgrades.
    • Set goals for each area and create an action plan to reach the goals. This action plan should include specific tasks, timelines, and responsibilities for achieving the energy efficiency goals.
    • Train staff on how to perform lead generation and benchmarking activities and ensure that they are well-versed in the process of collecting data, analyzing it, and reporting findings.
    • Analyze the data collected to find areas where energy is being wasted and make improvements accordingly. This can include replacing outdated equipment or making upgrades to existing systems.
    • Monitor the company’s sales progress on a regular basis and adjust goals as needed to ensure that the desired outcomes are achieved.
    • Report findings to management and relevant stakeholders and use the results to plan further action.

    Following these steps will help you get started with LL84 benchmarking in your business, enabling you to make improvements that can save energy and money. With regular performance reviews and evaluations, your business can reap the rewards of increased efficiency and reduced energy costs over time.

    Case studies of businesses that have benefited from ll84 benchmarking

    Step-To-Step On LL84 Benchmarking And Its Affect on ROI

    Measure Your Business’s Current Financial Performance

    To mark a good benchmark for your content marketing programs’ performance in the business world, you need to have a baseline measurement of where you currently stand. This can be done by reviewing financial records, customer satisfaction surveys, and other data sources that measure the success of current operations.

    Analyze Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

    By understanding which KPIs are most important for your business, you can then use them as a comparison tool to measure changes in performance over time. KPIs such as customer satisfaction scores, return on investment (ROI), cost per acquisition, and employee productivity should be regularly monitored and tracked in order to accurately assess the impact of any changes.

    Set Goals and Objectives

    Once you’ve determined your current performance, set goals for improvement and create an action plan with measurable objectives to achieve them. Make sure that these objectives are realistic and achievable in order to maximize the ROI from your efforts.

    Implement Changes

    Based on the data gathered from benchmarking, implement changes to improve the performance of your business. For example, if you’ve identified a weak area in customer satisfaction, focus on addressing that issue by improving customer service or providing more products or services tailored to customer needs.

    Monitor Progress

    Lastly, it is important to track progress and measure the success of any changes made. Keep an eye on your KPIs and make adjustments to ensure that you are achieving the desired results.

    By properly benchmarking efforts and tracking performance, you can measure the success of changes made over time, maximize ROI and ultimately improve the overall performance of your business. It is important to regularly review key metrics and use data to inform decisions in order to ensure that your business is reaching its full potential. With a thorough understanding of the LL84 benchmarking process, you can more accurately measure and improve the performance of your organization — all while increasing ROI.

     

  • Energy Benchmark Fines And Violations

    Energy Benchmark Fines And Violations

    City/State Energy Benchmark Fines and Violations for Non-Compliance

    Every year, building owners and managers are faced with the responsibility of ensuring their property is in compliance with their local city or state Energy Benchmark programs. Many of these Benchmark programs have penalties in place to enforce annual compliance. Failure to file required energy usage data can result in written warnings and/or monetary fines. Fines and violations for non-compliance can add up quickly, so it’s important to be aware of the most common infractions. The following is a complete chart of Benchmark programs with existing penalties for non-compliance:

    Benchmark Program

    Annual Deadline

    Penalty for
    Non-Compliance

    Atlanta Commercial Buildings Energy
    Efficiency Ordinance

    June 1st

    $1,000

    Austin Energy Conservation Audit &
    Disclosure (ECAD) Ordinance

    June 1st

    $500-2,000

    Berkeley Building Energy Saving Ordinance

    July 1st

    $100-1,000

    Boston Energy Reporting & Disclosure
    Ordinance

    May 15th

    $35-200

    California Assembly Bill 802 (CA AB802)

    June 1st

    $500-2,000

    Cambridge Building Energy Use Disclosure
    Ordinance

    May 1st

    $300/day

    Chicago Building Energy Use Benchmarking
    Ordinance

    June 1st

    $100 + $25/day

    Chula Vista Building Energy Saving
    Ordinance

    May 20th

    $750-2,250

    Denver Commercial & Multifamily
    Building Benchmarking

    June 1st

    $2,000

    Des Moines Energy & Water Benchmarking
    Ordinance

    May 1st

    $50 + $300-500/day

    Evanston Building Energy & Water Use
    Benchmarking Ordinance

    June 30th

    $100

    Fort Collins, CO Ordinance 144 Building
    Energy & Water Scoring

    March 1st

    $1,000

    Kansas City Energy Empowerment Ordinance

    May 1st

    Written Warning

    Los Angeles Energy & Water Efficiency
    (LA EBEWE)

    June 1st

    $202

    Minneapolis Commercial Building Rating
    & Disclosure Ordinance

    June 1st

    Written Warning + Civil Fine

    Montgomery County Building Energy
    Benchmarking Law

    June 1st

    Written Warning

    New York City Local Law 84 (NYC LL84)

    May 1st*

    $500-$2,000

    Orlando Building Energy & Water
    Efficiency Strategy (Ordinance 2016-64)

    May 1st

    Written Warning

    Philadelphia Building Energy Benchmarking
    Ordinance

    June 30th

    $300 + $100/day

    Pittsburgh Building Benchmarking Ordinance

    June 1st

    Publicly listed non-Compliant

    Portland Energy & Water Use Performance
    Benchmarking Ordinance (Maine)

    May 1st

    $20/day

    Portland Commercial Building Energy
    Reporting (Oregon)

    April 22nd

    $500

    Reno Energy & Water Efficiency Program
    (Ordinance 7068)

    April 1st

    $850

    Saint Louis Building Energy Awareness Bill

    April 1st

    $50-1,000

    Salt Lake City Elevate Buildings

    May 1st

    $500-1,000

    San Francisco Existing Commercial Buildings
    Energy Performance Ordinance (SF EBO)

    April 1st*

    $50-2,500

    Seattle Council Bill 116731 (CB116731)

    July 1st

    $150-500/day

    *Note: New York City and San Francisco have extended the 2022 deadlines to May 31st and May 15th respectively to accommodate for issues with the utilities and/or their systems.

    While not all Benchmark programs issue written warnings and/or monetary fines, each city and state agency keeps records of compliance statuses year-to-year. Some of these records are made public via a compliance list. These public compliance lists are in place to hold all appropriate parties accountable and aware of their need to comply. You can often locate these public lists directly via your respective city/state Benchmarking website or by contacting your local program’s support line directly.

    For New York City building owners, it is important to note that non-compliance by the May deadline will not only result in a $500 violation but will also impact your Local Law 33 (LL33) Energy Grade. Failure to accurately file by the May deadline will automatically result in an LL33 Energy Grade of an F indicating failure to comply. Per the LL33 ordinance, your Energy Grade must be printed and displayed in a conspicuous location near each public entrance on the property. That means an Energy Grade of an F will be in clear sight for all occupants and visitors for an entire year until the new LL33 grades are released the following year.

    Whether or not your local Energy Benchmark program has violations, Benchmarking is a key component in maintaining energy efficiency standards for your building while reducing your environmental impact. Avoid further penalties and fines by getting your building Benchmarked. If you’re looking for an easy way to get started and into compliance, Vert Energy Group can help. We specialize in aiding businesses and owners with their annual local Energy Benchmark requirements. Visit VertPro.com/Benchmark-Help to get started today.

    “The risk management on the front end of things are hard dollars sometimes for owners to spend. It’s kind of like putting a new roof on your house. You have to do it, otherwise you can save the money but eventually it’s all going to catch up to you.” – Michael Klutho

    NYC Local Law 11 (LL11) – Facade Inspection & Safety Program

    NYC Local Law 11 Under NYC Local Law 11 (LL11), all buildings with six or more stories must undergo an inspection of the exterior walls and appurtenances every five years. This inspection falls under the city’s Façade Inspection and Safety Program, or FISP, which aims to improve public safety by identifying potential problems with building exteriors. During the inspection process, a licensed professional will examine a wide range of material and structural features on the building envelope. These may include windows, doors, masonry, and cladding materials, as well as waterproofing membranes and rooftop vents. The overall goal of FISP is to help ensure that New York buildings are safe and structurally sound while minimizing any potential risks to the property and its occupants. If any issues are identified during the inspection process, they will be flagged so that they can be promptly addressed by qualified contractors. Failure to comply with LL11 will result in civil penalties issued by the New York City Department of Buildings (NYCDOB). In extreme cases, NYCDOB can revoke a building’s Certificate of Occupancy and force it to be closed if it is not in compliance with LL11 as the building will be deemed unsafe. There are four different civil penalties you can receive:

    Issue/Reason for Penalty

    Penalty Fee

    Late Filing of the initial LL11 report

    $1,000/month

    Failure to File the initial LL11 report

    $5,000/year

    Failure to correct unsafe conditions

    See second chart

    Failure to correct SWARMP conditions

    $2,000

     

    Penalty Fees for Failure to correct unsafe conditions

     

    Base Penalty

    Plus

    Year 1

    $1,000/month

    N/A

    Year 2

    $1,000/month

    $10/linear foot (l.f.) of shed/month

    Year 3

    $1,000/month

    $20/linear foot (l.f.) of shed/month

    Year 4

    $1,000/month

    $30/linear foot (l.f.) of shed/month

    Year 5

    $1,000/month

    $40/linear foot (l.f.) of shed/month

    To manage the deadlines, NYC have assigned buildings to one of three cycles based on the last digit of their assigned block numbers. Based on your assigned cycle you have from three years to comply with the LL11 ordinance. The cycles are:

    Last Digit of NYC Block Number

    Cycle

    LL11 Begins

    Initial LL11 Deadline

    4, 5, 6, and 9

    A

    February 21, 2020

    February 21, 2022

    0, 7, 8

    B

    February 21, 2021

    February 21, 2023

    1, 2, 3

    C

    February 21, 2022

    February 21, 2024
    Building owners are required to conduct and complete another LL11 report every five years after the initial compliance deadlines. If you have missed or yet to begin your LL11 report, now’s the best time to get started to avoid civil penalties. Vert Energy Group can help connect you with local qualified and licensed contractors to help complete your LL11 inspections and report. Find a contractor to take on your LL11 today on VertPro.com/Upgrades to get complied and ensure your building is up to code.  

    Fun Fact: 3pm is the official time of observance every Memorial Day in the U.S.

    Memorial Day

    Memorial Day in the U.S Memorial Day falls on May 30th this year. This American holiday began in the years following the Civil War to remember and honor the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to our country. It is a day of somber reflection, but also of celebration and thanksgiving. Over the years Memorial Day traditions have evolved. Originally, people would observe the holiday by decorating the graves of fallen soldiers and it grew into local and national celebrations with parades. With many offices and companies closed on Memorial Day, this holiday has become more of a long weekend referred to as “Memorial Weekend.” It serves as an opportunity for many to take a weekend trip or host parties in what National Today states is a way “to balance out the soberness of the day and welcome summer.” Whether you’re staying in or taking a trip this Memorial Day, take a moment to pay tribute to honor the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to our country.  

    Fun Fact: According to a 2021 YouGov poll, the most popular Mother’s Day gift that mothers wanted were flowers followed closely by sharing a special experience with their family.

    Happy Mother’s Day

    Danielle’s Corner

    Mother’s Day Happy Mother’s Day to all the mom’s out there! Did you know that Mother’s Day was originally meant as a day to protest wars? In 1870, Julia Ware Howe wrote the Mother’s Day Proclamation calling for the end of wars. Howe originally intended the day to be for mothers of different backgrounds to come together to protest war and fight for peace. While that idea didn’t necessarily take off and become tradition, there are still some who do partake in protests in honor of the holiday. WomansDay.com makes honorable mention of the 1982 Lawrence Livermore Library at the University of California protest in which a large group of women came together to protest nuclear weapons. The more common ideology of Mother’s Day stems from Anna Jarvis. On the second Sunday in May of 1907, Anna Jarvis held a service to honor her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, who had passed away in 1905. A year later, in 1908 on the second Sunday of May, Jarvis holds another service to honor her late mother and passes out flowers to all who attend. This kickstarts Jarvis’ goal to make Mother’s Day official which as we know she accomplished in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson makes the second Sunday each May the official Mother’s Day. To this day, flowers are one of the most popular gifts bought on Mother’s Day as we honor our own mothers. This Mother’s Day is sure to thank your mom and/or the mother figure in your life for all the love and support they have given you. I know I’ll be showering my mom with many thanks for putting up with my rebellious teen years.  
    Want your Make Your Building Green? Get an Energy Audit! »

    Find Applicable Energy Laws Search by Zip to Find Applicable Energy Laws

    There are over 30 cities/states with Energy Benchmark requirements – 16 have Energy Audit requirements as well! Use this free tool to check if your building has an upcoming Energy Benchmark or Energy Audit deadline.

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  • Energy Benchmarking Deadlines are Almost Here

    Energy Benchmarking Deadlines are Almost Here

    Building owners and property managers may be wondering whether they need to comply with the latest round of EPA regulations – Energy Benchmarking. The answer is: most likely, yes. Entities must submit their buildings’ energy performance using EPA’s Energy Star Portfolio Manager tool or face possible fines from the city or state agency. As a reminder, the following is a list of the recently passed and upcoming deadlines:

    Passed
    Deadlines

    City

    Deadline

    Washington Clean
    & Affordable Energy Act of 2008 (Washington, DC)

    April
    1, 2022

    Washington State
    Senate Bill 5854 (SB5854)

    April
    1, 2022

    May
    Deadlines

    City

    Deadline

    Cambridge Building
    Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance

    May
    1, 2022

    Kansas City Energy
    Empowerment Ordinance

    May
    1, 2022

    New York City Local
    Law 84 (NYC LL84)

    May
    1, 2022

    Orlando Building
    Energy & Water Efficiency Strategy (Ordinance 2016-64)

    May
    1, 2022

    Portland Energy
    & Water Use Performance Benchmarking Ordinance (Maine)

    May
    1, 2022

    Saint Louis Building
    Energy Awareness Bill

    May
    1, 2022

    Salt Lake City
    Elevate Buildings

    May
    1, 2022

    San Jose Energy
    & Water Building Performance Ordinance (SJ BPO)

    May
    1, 2022

    Boston Energy
    Reporting & Disclosure Ordinance

    May
    15, 2022

    San Francisco
    Existing Buildings Energy Ordinance (SF EBO)

    May
    16, 2022*

    Chula Vista Building
    Energy Saving Ordinance

    May
    20, 2022

    June
    Deadlines

    City

    Deadline

    Atlanta Commercial
    Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance

    June
    1, 2022

    Austin Energy
    Conservation Audit & Disclosure Ordinance (ECAD)

    June
    1, 2022

    Boulder Building
    Performance Efficiency Ordinance

    June
    1, 2022

    California Assembly
    Bill 802 (CA AB802)

    June
    1, 2022

    Chicago Building
    Energy Use Benchmarking Ordinance

    June
    1, 2022

    Denver Commercial
    & Multifamily Building Benchmarking

    June
    1, 2022

    Los Angeles Energy
    & Water Efficiency (LA EBEWE)

    June
    1, 2022

    Minneapolis
    Commercial Building Rating & Disclosure Ordinance

    June
    1, 2022

    Montgomery County
    Building Energy Benchmarking Law

    June
    1, 2022

    Pittsburgh Building
    Benchmarking Ordinance

    June
    1, 2022

    San Diego Building
    Energy Benchmark Ordinance

    June
    1, 2022

    Evanston Building
    Energy & Water Use Benchmarking Ordinance

    June
    30, 2022

    Philadelphia
    Building Energy Benchmarking Ordinance

    June
    30, 2022

    *The San Francisco Existing Buildings Energy Ordinance (EBO) is originally due every May 1st. The city announced that the 2022 deadline has been pushed to May 16, 2022.

    For buildings specifically under the Washington DC and Washington state programs, notices containing compliance status will be arriving soon. The notice will either state that your report has been accepted, that no report has been filed, or that there are issues with your report. Any reporting issues or lack of a report, will need to be addressed immediately. It is pertinent that accurate Energy Benchmark reports are filed regardless of missed deadlines to avoid additional violations or penalties from accruing.

    All entities with upcoming May and June deadlines still have 1-2 months left to file. Failure to file can result in written and/or monetary violations ranging from daily ($20-300/day) to one-time violations ($50-2,250). The entire filing process can take a minimum of 4-8 weeks to complete from start to finish. Of that time, 30 days alone can be spent working to obtain a building’s aggregate energy usage from its respective utility companies. With hefty fines in place, it’s highly encouraged that entities file early when possible. The longer you wait to file, the higher your chances of missing the deadline and receiving a violation becomes.

    Vert Energy Group can help you avoid further and/or potential Benchmark violations when you register on our platform VertPro®. All it takes is 30 minutes – or less – to get started on your 2022 Energy Benchmark report. You’ll want to have the following information to get started: building address, building details (i.e., year built, gross floor area, property type), and a current copy of your utility statements. With that information on hand, log in to an existing VertPro® account or create a new one. Once in, you’ll add your property and complete the necessary authorizations using the utility statements. After that, our team of experts will take on the rest of the work to get your building into compliance. Head on over to VertPro.com to start filing and avoid violations. To speak to a representative, call us Monday-Friday 7 am-5 pm PST at (415) 912-1523 or email us at support@vertpro.com.

    “The easiest way to save money is to waste less energy” – Barack Obama

    Energy Audits and Retro-Commissioning (RCx)

    Energy Audits and Retro-Commissioning

    Did you know that most commercial buildings lose 20-30% of their energy due to inefficiencies in the way they’re operated and maintained? A building Energy Audit is a great way to find out where your building is losing the most energy and can help identify ways to save. Retro-Commissioning (RCx) can also be an effective way to reduce energy consumption in existing buildings, by optimizing systems and controls. Some cities and states require entities to perform Energy Audits and RCx reports in addition to their annual Energy Benchmarks. This is to help building owners and managers gain a full understanding of the building’s energy performance.

    While the typical timeframe to complete annual Benchmarks is 4-8 weeks, an Audit and RCx can take substantially longer as more work is involved. Part of the Audit and RCx process entails on-site inspections to be conducted by licensed professionals (LP). A minimum of one on-site inspection is required to gather information on the building. Depending on the complexity and size of the building, additional on-site visits will be needed to get a full scope of the building and its systems and equipment. Any missing information can cause inaccurate reporting and delay the process of filing.

    With the ongoing pandemic, many buildings have undergone operational/staffing changes which can make scheduling the necessary site visits difficult. To ensure accurate and timely filing, we highly encourage all entities to begin the Audit and RCx process sooner rather than later. Not only will early filing ensure compliance and prevent potential penalties, but it will also help entities start seeing energy costs savings. For buildings in NYC that are required to comply with Local Law 33 (LL33), these energy savings can help bring your building’s LL33 grade up sooner than if you were to hold off on conducting an Energy Audit. Visit VertPro.com/Audits to get immediate help for your building’s Energy Audit and RCx project.

    For buildings in NYC that are required to comply with Local Law 33 (LL33), these energy savings can help bring your building’s LL33 grade up sooner than if you were to hold off on conducting an Energy Audit. To get your bids now visit VertPro.com/NYC-LL97/

    “The first thing we can do as individuals and as communities, like a school or a university or a church, is cut our energy use. Do an energy audit or measure our carbon footprint.” – Katharine Hayhoe

    VertPro® Subscription Services Available Now

    Subscription Services Available Now

    When it comes to saving money on your building operations, subscribing to services can be one of the best decisions you make. With the implementation of city and state Energy requirements, companies are looking at new additional costs to budget for. At Vert Energy Group, we understand that the costs can quickly add up if you’re not properly prepared. That’s why we offer two different Energy subscription plans: Energy Audit Subscription and 3-year Energy Benchmark Partnership. Through our Energy Audit Subscription, you’ll be able to split up your Energy Audit payment up into smaller payments to be paid over the course of 5-years instead of paying it all upfront. You even have the option to include your annual Benchmark payment to your Audit Subscription plan. Don’t have an Energy Audit coming up, but need to complete your annual Benchmark? Our 3-year Benchmark Partnership will lock your portfolio in at a discounted rate compared to our 1-year Benchmark users who are subject to year-to-year price increases. As of this writing, our current rates are: $295/year under the 3-year Benchmark Partnership and $375 under the 1-Year Benchmark plan. Go to VertPro.com/Audits to enroll in in Audit Subscription and VertPro.com to begin a 3-year Benchmark Partnership. For further information, contact us at (415) 912-1523 or support@vertpro.com.

    Fun Fact: When April Fools began in  France, paper fish are stuck to people’s backs symbolizing a person being gullible like fish who gets caught easily.

    April Fools

    April Fools Ready to be pranked? Whether you’re pranking or being pranked, there’s no shortage of tricks to be found every April Fools – especially with big companies joining in the fun. From a company standpoint, April Fools is a great way to get your target audience involved and at your door in a fun way. One example would be the 1998 Burger King ad for the “Left-Handed Whopper.” Though diners couldn’t purchase the “Left-Handed Whopper” it nonetheless got them to Burger King where they most likely purchased another meal instead. Like any prank though, companies should be careful about their execution of it. Google is notorious for its participation in April Fools – a throwback to when they let us play Ms. Pac-Man on Google Maps in 2017 – not all have landed well. In 2016, Google’s prank left many users unhappy. The prank involved a new Gmail button – “Send + Mic Drop” – that when clicked sent a gif of the minion character from Despicable Me to the recipient. Many users accidentally clicked this button when replying to work-related emails subsequently unintentionally sending their bosses, colleagues, clients, etc. the minion gif when not appropriate. Google ended up having to pull the feature early and issue a mass apology. This failed prank served as a good learning experience for all companies looking to join in on the April Fools fun. It can also serve as a good reminder for everyone to run a test run before fully launching an idea. But that’s just our opinion.  
    National Brunch Month

    Danielle’s Corner

    National Brunch Month All my brunch lovers rejoice – April is National Brunch Month! I feel like anything can be a “National something Month” these days, but as a brunch lover, I’m not complaining. Don’t let the April showers dampen your vibe. Hit up your favorite indoor brunch spot or do your own little fun brunch spread at home. Nothing says you need to spend $15 on avocado toast at that cute café down the road – but if that’s what you want don’t let me stop you. Below is a link to some of my favorite treats recipes – courtesy of Good Housekeeping – to whip up for my family and friends when I want to host an impromptu brunch: Whether you feel like cooking at home or going out, be sure to treat yourself to a much-deserved brunch! I know I will.  
    Want your Make Your Building Green? Get an Energy Audit! »

    Find Applicable Energy Laws Search by Zip to Find Applicable Energy Laws

    There are over 30 cities/states with Energy Benchmark requirements – 16 have Energy Audit requirements as well! Use this free tool to check if your building has an upcoming Energy Benchmark or Energy Audit deadline.

    FIND OUT HERE »
  • 2022 Energy Benchmarking Best Practices & Evolving Requirements

    2022 Energy Benchmarking Best Practices & Evolving Requirements

    Navigating the Energy Benchmarking World

    As of the start of 2022, ENERGY STAR’s website reflects over 40 different existing Energy Benchmark programs in the United States. With 40+ Energy programs nationwide, it can feel like you’re in a maze trying to identify and meet your building’s specific requirements. When it comes to determining your exact Energy Benchmark program there are three common details you’ll need to know: location, property type, and size. Once you’ve taken those three factors into account, you’ll know if you’re required to file, to whom, and by when.

    First up, location. It is important to note that in a single state, there can be both local and statewide Energy Benchmark programs. In most cases where there is a city and state program, the city’s program will take priority over the state’s program. Only in some cases will the state’s Benchmark precede over the cities. Two common reasons this can occur is either the city has not yet added the property to their program, or the building meets the state’s requirements but not the city’s. The following is a list of all existing state programs and whether there is also a local Energy Benchmark programs as well*:

    State

    City
    and State Benchmark?

    Alabama

    No

    California

    Yes

    Colorado

    Yes

    Connecticut

    Yes

    Delaware

    No

    Michigan

    No

    New Jersey

    No

    New Mexico

    No

    New York

    Yes

    Ohio

    Yes

    Oregon

    Yes

    Pennsylvania

    Yes

    Texas

    Yes

    Virginia

    No

    Washington

    Yes

    West Virginia

    Yes

    *Note: Again, the above list is not a comprehensive list of all existing Energy Benchmark programs in the U.S. It is just a list of programs where both state and local programs exist. There are local programs that do not have programs at the state level.

    As each Benchmark program is different, knowing the gross floor area (GFA sq. ft.) and property type will further narrow down your requirements. Some Benchmark programs apply to all properties over a certain GFA, while others are only applicable to certain property types such as commercial and/or multifamily. Once you’ve determined your local and/or state program, you’ll want to see if those programs apply to your property type. If it does, then you will use your building’s GFA as the deciding factor. Typically, the local and state programs will have slightly different GFA requirements with local programs having lower GFA (sq. ft.) requirements. This helps make differentiating between the two programs easier for building owners. This doesn’t mean that all local and state programs will have different minimum GFA requirements – there are some with the same size requirements. As previously mentioned, when this occurs your property will most likely file to its local Energy Benchmark program unless the local level does not pertain to your property type (i.e., manufacturing) or has not yet added your building to their list.

    Knowing your deadline requirements doesn’t necessarily mean filing will be straightforward. With over 10 years of experience filing, our experts have seen our fair share of common mistakes by building owners trying to file on their own. This is especially the case when there is no prior knowledge of Energy Benchmarks and in new and upcoming programs. Let Vert Energy Group help you. On March 15th at 10 am PST, we are offering a group webinar session for building owners and property managers to learn more about the various nationwide Energy Benchmark requirements. During the session, you’ll get a crash course on Benchmarking requirements and pitfalls, get answers to all your pressing questions, and see just how easy filing can be when working with us. Spots are limited so you’ll want to act fast. Click here to claim a spot before they’re all gone.

    “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing” – Walt Disney

    Upcoming 2022 Energy Benchmark Deadlines

    Upcoming 2022 Energy Benchmark Deadlines

    Spring is right around the corner and so are the spring Energy Benchmark deadlines. From April 1st through May 20th, there are 13 different Energy Benchmarks programs due. Three out of those 13 programs are due on April 1st – that’s just a month away. Below is a chart of the fast-approaching spring deadlines:

    April Deadlines

    City

    Deadline

    San Francisco Existing Commercial
    Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance (SF EBO)

    April
    1, 2022

    Washington Clean & Affordable
    Energy Act of 2008 (Washington, DC)

    April
    1, 2022

    Washington State Senate Bill 5854 (SB5854)

    April
    1, 2022

    May Deadlines

    City

    Deadline

    Cambridge Building Energy Use
    Disclosure Ordinance

    May
    1, 2022

    Kansas City Energy Empowerment
    Ordinance

    May
    1, 2022

    New York City Local Law 84 (NYC LL84)

    May
    1, 2022

    Orlando Building Energy & Water
    Efficiency Strategy (Ordinance 2016-64)

    May
    1, 2022

    Portland Energy & Water Use
    Performance Benchmarking Ordinance (Maine)

    May
    1, 2022

    Saint Louis Building Energy Awareness
    Bill

    May
    1, 2022

    Salt Lake City Elevate Buildings

    May
    1, 2022

    San Jose Energy & Water Building
    Performance Ordinance (SJ BPO)

    May
    1, 2022

    Boston Energy Reporting &
    Disclosure Ordinance

    May
    15, 2022

    Chula Vista Building Energy Saving
    Ordinance

    May
    20, 2022

    If you have properties in San Francisco, Washington DC, and Washington State and have not yet begun your reports by now, you’re cutting it extremely close to the April 1st deadline. Even for all other programs with late April through May deadlines, you don’t want to wait till the last minute to start. Much of the filing process is reliant on the cooperation of the utility companies’ ability to process data requests. It can take approximately utility companies anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks to complete a single data request. The closer the deadline gets we expect that the utilities will see an influx of requests that can potentially back up their processing times. The longer you wait to file, the higher your chances of receiving potential violations for noncompliance gets.

    Avoid noncompliance by signing up with VertPro® today. Simply register on VertPro.com and add your property to get started. Our experts recommend having copies of your utility bills on hand to help complete your VertPro® registration. All returning clients can login to continue to your 2022 VertPro dashboard. For any questions or help getting started, call us Monday-Friday 7 am-5 pm PST at (415) 912-1523 or email us at support@vertpro.com. Our team of experts is ready to help you file.

    “Getting the right people in the right jobs is a lot more important than developing a strategy.” – Jack Welch

    Finding the Right Contractor

    Finding the Right Contractor

    It’s not news that upgrades and improvements are beneficial to a property. Upgrading a building’s features helps with a multitude of things depending on the project. Common benefits seen from upgrades include occupant safety and satisfaction, long-term savings, increased market value, compliance with city and state laws, etc. It’s one thing to plan a building improvement, but it’s another thing to execute it. Finding the right contractor is key to ensuring your vision is carried out. Whether you’re looking to start a new building upgrade or continue an already ongoing project, Vert Energy Group can help. From roofing, plumbing, asphalt, balconies, upgrades, turnkey projects, new construction, interior fit-outs, site improvements, renovations, and everything in between we’ll find you the right general contractor. All you need to do is post your project on VertPro® Upgrades and then sit back and relax while we do the rest. Our team of experts will research and compile a list of bids from eligible and suitable contractors to take on your project. From there you’ll have your pick of the lot and be one step closer to seeing your project come to fruition. Post your upcoming general project on  VertPro® Upgrades today and start getting bids.

    Fun Fact: Leprechauns may be associated with Saint Patrick’s Day, but they have their own holiday – Leprechaun Day – which falls on May 13th each year.

    Luck of the Irish

    Luck of the Irish

    Saint Patrick’s Day was once a celebration honoring Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick, and has since become a day to celebrate the Irish culture. Since the popularization of Saint Patrick’s Day, there has been less focus on Saint Patrick and more on the mythical creatures from Irish folklore, leprechauns. In Irish folklore, leprechauns are depicted as little people the fairies would pay in gold coins to fix their shoes. Leprechauns would keep these coins in hidden large pots so that no one could find them. Legends state that the reason no one can find a leprechaun’s pot of gold is that it is at the end of a rainbow and since rainbows never end it will never be found. Some say that if you’re able to catch a leprechaun, you can try to coerce it into revealing the hiding spot. Tread lightly though as leprechauns are notorious tricksters that you don’t want to be on the wrong side of should they decide to use their magic for evil intentions.

    Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

    Danielle’s Corner

    Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

    In 1987, President Ronald Regan proclaimed that March would be Developmental Disabilities (DD) Awareness Month. According to the CDC, developmental disabilities include – but are not limited to – ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, hearing loss and/or vision impairment, intellectual and/or learning disability, and other developmental delays. In the U.S. alone, it is estimated that “one in six, or about 17%, of children” between 3-17 years old have developmental disabilities. To help raise awareness surrounding the American developmental disabilities community the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), and the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) spearhead a joint social media campaign each March. Through the campaign, the organizations work to highlight the communities needs and potential contributions. The imagery for 2022’s campaign features artwork from individuals in the developmental disabilities community while the actual campaign shares stories from those with and without disabilities and their experiences. While it’s already the end of the month, it’s not too late to view this year’s submissions. Head on over to NACDD’s Facebook or twitter – both @NACDD – or search the following #DDawareness2022, #DDAM2022, or #WorldsImagined to see all the amazing stories.

    Want your Make Your Building Green? Get an Energy Audit! »

    search_by_zip Search by Zip to Find Applicable Energy Laws

    There are over 30 cities/states with Energy Benchmark requirements – 16 have Energy Audit requirements as well! Use this free tool to check if your building has an upcoming Energy Benchmark or Energy Audit deadline.

    FIND OUT HERE »