Pittsburgh Building Benchmarking Program: A Compliance Guide For Large Buildings

Pittsburgh’s Commitment to Energy Efficiency

Pittsburgh is advancing its climate and sustainability efforts through the Building Benchmarking Program, which requires large non-residential buildings to track and report energy and water usage annually. Benchmarking enables building owners to compare performance, identify inefficiencies, and implement measures to improve energy and water efficiency.

By participating in benchmarking, businesses contribute to Pittsburgh’s broader climate goals, which include reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving overall energy performance in commercial buildings. Understanding the compliance requirements and taking proactive steps to optimize energy and water use can help building owners avoid penalties, improve efficiency, and enhance property value.

What Is Pittsburgh’s Building Benchmarking Program?

Pittsburgh’s Building Benchmarking Ordinance (Chapter 629) requires large non-residential buildings to report their energy and water usage to the city annually.

Who Must Comply Pittsburgh's Building Benchmarking Program?

The Policy Applies To:

• Non-residential buildings with 50,000 square feet or more of indoor floor space.
• Mixed-use buildings where at least 50,000 square feet is devoted to non-residential purposes.
• City-owned facilities where the city pays part or all of the annual energy or water bills.

What Data Must Be Reported?

Building owners must submit data using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, an online tool developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Required Data Includes:

• Total building energy consumption (electricity, natural gas, steam, heating oil, etc.).
• Total building water usage.
• Building characteristics and use attributes.

Benchmarking Requirements & Deadlines

Reporting Deadline: June 1 of each year

Building owners must report the previous year’s energy and water usage by entering the data into ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and submitting it to the City of Pittsburgh.

Exemptions From Benchmarking:

Certain buildings may qualify for an exemption if they meet one of the following criteria:

• Lack of Occupancy: The building did not have a certificate of occupancy for all 12 months of the reporting year.
• Demolition: The building was scheduled for demolition and is no longer legally occupied.
• Low Occupancy: The building had an average occupancy below 50% during the reporting period.
• Industrial/Manufacturing Use: If the building is primarily used for industrial processes, benchmarking may not accurately reflect its energy use.
• Tenant or Utility Issues: The owner cannot obtain utility data due to tenant refusal or non-cooperation from the utility provider.

Building owners seeking an exemption must submit documentation at least 60 days before the June 1 reporting deadline.

Steps to Ensure Compliance with Pittsburgh’s Benchmarking Program

1. Set Up Energy & Water Tracking

Benchmarking begins with tracking and analyzing energy and water consumption. To comply:

• Create an ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager account.
• Enter building details, including square footage and occupancy type.
• Collect 12 months of utility data for electricity, natural gas, and water.
• Submit the benchmarking report to the City of Pittsburgh by June 1.

2. Conduct Energy & Water Audits

Regular audits help building owners identify areas for improvement.

• Energy Audits: Assess building systems such as HVAC, lighting, and insulation to uncover energy inefficiencies.
• Water Audits: Identify leaks, inefficient fixtures, and water conservation opportunities.

3. Implement Energy & Water Efficiency Upgrades

To improve benchmarking scores and reduce long-term costs, consider:

• Upgrading to LED lighting and installing automated lighting controls.
• Replacing inefficient HVAC systems with high-performance equipment.
• Installing low-flow water fixtures to minimize water waste.
• Enhancing insulation and weatherproofing to reduce heating and cooling demand.

4. Use Renewable Energy & Electrification

Transitioning to clean energy sources can help buildings meet future emission reduction targets. Consider:

• Installing solar panels to generate on-site renewable electricity.
• Switching to electric heat pumps for more efficient heating and cooling.
• Purchasing renewable energy credits (RECs) to offset emissions.

5. Monitor & Improve Performance Over Time

Regular benchmarking allows property owners to track energy and water trends, compare performance to similar buildings, and make data-driven decisions for efficiency improvements.

Why Businesses Should Participate in Benchmarking

1. Reduce Operating Costs

• Energy-efficient buildings use less power, leading to lower utility bills.
• Water-efficient systems reduce consumption, cutting operational costs.

2. Avoid Compliance Penalties

• Non-compliant buildings may be publicly listed as “eligible and non-participating”.
• Future regulations could introduce financial penalties for non-compliance.

3. Increase Property Value & Tenant Demand

• Buildings with strong energy performance attract more tenants and investors.
• Energy-efficient properties have higher resale value and long-term market appeal.

4. Improve ESG & Sustainability Efforts

• Meeting benchmarking requirements aligns with corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.
• Demonstrating sustainability leadership enhances reputation and stakeholder confidence.  

Resources For Building Owners

Pittsburgh provides support and incentives to help property owners comply with benchmarking requirements:

• Technical Assistance: The city offers guides and training sessions for ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.
• Utility Rebates: Incentives for energy-efficient upgrades are available through local utility providers.
• Sustainability Grants: Funding may be available for retrofits and renewable energy projects.

For more details, visit Pittsburgh’s Office of Sustainability or contact the Department of Innovation and Performance.

Preparing For Pittsburgh’s Benchmarking Future

Pittsburgh’s Building Benchmarking Program is an important step toward a more energy-efficient and sustainable city. To stay ahead of compliance requirements, businesses should:

• Track and report energy and water usage annually.
• Invest in efficiency upgrades to improve benchmarking scores.
• Explore renewable energy and electrification options.
• Utilize city incentives and technical support.

By actively participating in benchmarking, property owners can enhance building performance, reduce costs, and contribute to Pittsburgh’s climate goals.