FAQs
What is ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager?
Can’t my utility automatically benchmark my building for me?
Who will have access to my building's data?
What is ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager?
ENERGY STAR’s Portfolio Manager tool is a nationwide rating system that calculates the “miles per gallon” of your building’s energy use. A valuable building management resource, ENERGY STAR's Portfolio Manager tool accounts for weather, building location, use and operating charactersitics - giving an impartial measure of building efficiency. Properties that achieve a score of 75 or higher on the 100-point scale can qualify for the Energy Star Label. www.energystar.gov/benchmark
How does my participation in ASHE Region 10 E2C relate to recent legislation on mandatory energy benchmarking in Washington?
Washington participants will be boosted by state legislation requiring utilities to maintain billing data compatible with Portfolio Manager. The State of Washington SB-5854, which took effect July 26, 2009, requires the release of energy benchmarking information, upon request, to any prospective buyer, lessee, or lender of a building, using the U.S. EPA’s Energy Star Portfolio Manager rating system – less likely for a hospital. However, Seattle requires all buildings in the city over 50,000 square feet to benchmark and disclose their scores to the city each year, beginning April 1, 2011 (April 1, 2012 for 10,000+ sq ft).
The ASHE Region 10 E2C is a voluntary program, but participation helps building owners and managers in meeting these requirements, since ENERGY STAR benchmarking is central to both. Participants in the competition will have access to technical resources and expertise in benchmarking to assist with setting up their ENERGY STAR profiles.
Can't my utility automatically benchmark my building for me?
No, building staff are required to set up the initial ENERGY STAR profile of their property, and input space type and occupancy data according to each building’s characteristics. In addition, any major changes in space-types or other variables utilized by the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool should be updated periodically to give an accurate reflection of the operating conditions of the facility.
Who will have access to my building's data?
Your benchmarking and billing data will be held strictly confidential and will only be used to track total number of registrants and total regional energy savings. If you have any questions or concerns about confidentiality, please contact Stan Price.