Orlando Building Energy and Water Efficiency Strategy: What Property Owners Need to Know
How Orlando’s BEWES Policy Affects Building Owners and Steps to Ensure Compliance
Orlando’s Commitment To Energy Efficiency
Orlando is taking decisive steps toward sustainability through its Building Energy and Water Efficiency Strategy (BEWES). The policy requires large commercial and multifamily buildings to track, report, and improve energy and water efficiency. As a property owner or manager in Orlando, understanding BEWES is essential for maintaining compliance, reducing costs, and optimizing building performance.
Buildings account for nearly 72% of citywide greenhouse gas emissions, making them a crucial target for Orlando’s climate action efforts. BEWES supports the city’s long-term sustainability goals, including reducing emissions by 90% by 2040 and achieving 100% clean energy for municipal operations by 2030.
What Is the Building Energy & Water Efficiency Strategy (BEWES)?
BEWES is an ordinance designed to improve energy and water efficiency in large commercial and multifamily buildings. The policy applies to:
- City-owned buildings over 10,000 square feet.
- Commercial and multifamily buildings over 50,000 square feet.
By focusing on these buildings, BEWES targets the largest consumers of energy and water in the city, driving efficiency improvements and cost savings.
Key Requirements of BEWES
- Benchmarking: Annual tracking and reporting of energy and water use.
- Transparency: Public disclosure of building performance data.
- Energy and Water Audits: Required every five years for underperforming buildings.
- Retro-Commissioning: Optimization of existing building systems to improve efficiency.
Who Must Comply With Orlando's BEWES?
BEWES applies to large private and public buildings that meet the square footage thresholds. Property owners and managers must:
- Track energy and water usage using the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.
- Submit benchmarking reports to the city annually.
- Conduct energy and water audits or retro-commissioning every five years if the building does not meet performance thresholds.
Orlando’s policy encourages voluntary compliance for smaller buildings, but future regulations may expand these requirements.
Steps to Ensure Compliance With BEWES
1. Benchmark, Track Energy & Water Use
Benchmarking is the first step in compliance and involves tracking a building’s energy and water consumption.
How To Comply:
- Set up an ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager account.
- Enter building details, including square footage and occupancy type.
- Input 12 consecutive months of energy and water usage.
- Submit the benchmarking report to Orlando’s Building Energy and Water Efficiency team.
Annual Deadline:
Reports must be submitted by May 1st each year.
Benchmarking allows building owners to compare performance against similar buildings, identify inefficiencies, and set improvement goals.
2. Conduct Energy & Water Audits
Buildings that fall below the national median (ENERGY STAR score under 50) must undergo an energy and water audit or retro-commissioning every five years.
Audit Requirements:
- Energy audits must meet ASHRAE Level 1 standards for private buildings and Level 2 for municipal buildings.
- Water audits assess water flow rates, leaks, and conservation opportunities.
Energy audits identify system inefficiencies, outdated equipment, and potential savings opportunities.
3. Implement Retro-Commissioning For System Optimization
If an energy audit is not required, property owners may choose retro-commissioning to improve building performance.
Retro-Commissioning Steps:
- Assess building systems to identify inefficiencies.
- Optimize HVAC, lighting, and water systems for better performance.
- Monitor and adjust systems to maintain efficiency.
Retro-commissioning helps extend equipment life, reduce operational costs, and improve tenant comfort.
4. Improve Energy & Water Efficiency
To meet BEWES requirements and avoid audits, buildings should implement energy and water-saving measures:
- Upgrade to LED lighting and automated controls.
- Install high-efficiency HVAC systems.
- Improve insulation and weatherization to reduce heating and cooling costs.
- Use low-flow water fixtures and leak detection systems.
Buildings that consistently meet energy efficiency targets may avoid additional compliance costs and benefit from long-term savings.
5. Take Advantage of Financial Incentives
Several programs are available to help offset compliance costs:
- Orlando’s Green Building Incentives Program provides financial support for energy efficiency projects.
- Duke Energy and OUC rebates offer incentives for upgrading HVAC, lighting, and water systems.
- Federal tax credits are available for energy-efficient improvements.
Leveraging these incentives helps property owners reduce upfront costs and improve return on investment.
Why Businesses Should Align With BEWES Requirements
1. Lower Operating Costs
- Energy-efficient buildings consume less power and water, leading to lower utility bills.
- Upgraded systems require less maintenance, reducing long-term operational expenses.
2. Avoid Compliance Penalties
- Buildings that fail to benchmark data or meet efficiency requirements may face fines.
- Future energy performance standards may increase regulatory obligations for inefficient buildings.
3. Improve Property Value & Marketability
- Energy-efficient buildings attract tenants looking for cost-effective spaces.
- Sustainability certifications increase property value and competitiveness in the real estate market.
4. Strengthen ESG & Sustainability Goals
- Meeting BEWES requirements aligns with corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives.
- Demonstrating sustainability leadership enhances reputation and investor confidence.
Preparing For BEWES Compliance In Orlando
Orlando’s Building Energy and Water Efficiency Strategy is shaping the city’s sustainability future. To stay ahead of compliance requirements, property owners should:
- Benchmark and track energy performance to identify efficiency gaps.
- Invest in energy and water-saving upgrades to meet efficiency targets.
- Conduct required audits and retro-commissioning to maintain compliance.
- Take advantage of city and utility incentives to offset upgrade costs.
BEWES compliance ensures long-term cost savings, enhances property value, and supports Orlando’s clean energy goals. By taking action now, businesses can stay ahead of regulations, reduce costs, and contribute to a more sustainable city.
