Portland Commercial Building Energy Performance Reporting: A Compliance Guide

Portland’s Commitment To Energy Efficiency

Portland is taking significant steps toward reducing carbon emissions and improving building efficiency through its Commercial Building Energy Performance Reporting (BEPR) ordinance. This policy mandates that large commercial buildings track, report, and disclose their energy consumption annually to encourage energy-saving improvements and increase transparency.

Buildings account for a substantial portion of Portland’s greenhouse gas emissions, making them a crucial focus for energy reduction strategies. Understanding BEPR and ensuring compliance helps building owners reduce costs, improve efficiency, and contribute to Portland’s climate goals.

What Is the Commercial Building Energy Performance Reporting (BEPR) Program?

The BEPR ordinance (Chapter 17.104) establishes a reporting framework for large commercial buildings in Portland. The ordinance aims to:

• Improve energy efficiency by tracking and comparing energy use over time.
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging property owners to make data-driven improvements.
• Increase market transparency by making energy performance data publicly available.

Who Must Comply Portland's Energy Performance Reporting?

The policy applies to:

• Commercial buildings over 20,000 square feet used for office, retail, grocery, health care, higher education, and hotels.
• Mixed-use buildings where at least 20,000 square feet is used for commercial purposes.

Energy Performance Reporting Exemptions

The ordinance does not apply to:

• Residential properties.
• Industrial and warehouse buildings.
• Religious institutions.
• Primary and secondary schools.

Building owners may apply for exemptions if the property was vacant, newly constructed, or scheduled for demolition during the reporting year.

Benchmarking & Reporting Requirements

What Data Must Be Reported?

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

Required Data Includes:

• Building address and year of construction.
• Primary and additional building use types.
• Total square footage.
• ENERGY STAR score (if applicable).
• Energy Use Intensity (EUI) – measured in kBtu per square foot.
• Total annual greenhouse gas emissions.

Reporting Deadlines

Building owners must submit their energy performance report by April 22nd of each year.

• Buildings 50,000 sq. ft. or larger – First report was due April 22, 2016.
• Buildings between 20,000-50,000 sq. ft. – First report was due April 22, 2017.

Failure to report on time may result in financial penalties and public listing as a non-compliant building.

Steps To Ensure Compliance With Portland’s BEPR Program

1. Set Up Energy Tracking

To comply with BEPR, building owners must:

• Create an ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager account.
• Enter building details, including total square footage and occupancy type.
• Track 12 months of energy usage for electricity, natural gas, and other fuels.
• Submit the benchmarking report to the City of Portland by April 22.

2. Monitor & Improve Energy Performance

Regular benchmarking allows property owners to compare their building’s performance against similar buildings and identify inefficiencies.

To improve scores and lower costs:

• Upgrade HVAC systems to energy-efficient models.
• Replace outdated lighting with LED technology.
• Enhance insulation and weatherproofing to reduce heating and cooling demand.
• Implement building automation systems for smarter energy management.

3. Transition To Electrification

Buildings using natural gas or oil-based heating should begin transitioning to electric-powered systems to prepare for future regulations. Key steps include:

• Installing electric heat pumps for more efficient heating and cooling.
• Upgrading to electric water heaters.
• Implementing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to support sustainability initiatives.

4. Invest In Renewable Energy

On-site and off-site renewable energy can help buildings reduce emissions and improve performance ratings. Strategies include:

• Installing solar panels to generate clean electricity.
• Participating in community solar programs to offset carbon footprints.
• Purchasing renewable energy credits (RECs) to reduce reported emissions.

5. Use Available Incentives & Support Programs

Portland offers financial incentives and technical support to help building owners meet BEPR requirements. These include:

• Energy Trust of Oregon rebates for energy efficiency projects.
• State and federal tax credits for renewable energy installations.
• Free training and resources on using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.

Why Compliance With BEPR Matters for Businesses

1. Reduce Operating Costs

• Energy-efficient buildings use less power, leading to lower utility bills.
• Upgraded systems require less maintenance, reducing long-term expenses.

2. Avoid Compliance Penalties

• Non-compliant buildings may be publicly listed as non-participating.
• Future energy standards could introduce stricter regulations and fines.

3. Increase Property Value & Tenant Demand

• Energy-efficient buildings attract tenants looking for lower operating costs.
• High-performance properties have greater resale value and long-term market appeal.

4. Improve ESG & Sustainability Efforts

• Meeting BEPR requirements supports corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.
• Demonstrating sustainability efforts enhances reputation and investor confidence.

Preparing For BEPR Compliance in Portland

To stay ahead of compliance requirements, building owners should:

• Track and report energy performance annually through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.
• Invest in efficiency upgrades to improve benchmarking scores.
• Explore renewable energy and electrification options.
• Utilize city incentives and technical support to offset costs.

Portland’s Commercial Building Energy Performance Reporting ordinance plays a key role in reducing energy waste, cutting emissions, and promoting sustainability. By actively participating in benchmarking, property owners can enhance building performance, reduce costs, and contribute to Portland’s climate goals.