Energy-Efficiency Benchmarking

Did you know that you may be required to disclose your building’s energy performance benchmark rating before it can be sold, leased or refinanced?

A new law (AB1103) requires this disclosure for many commercial buildings beginning July 1, 2013.

Many owners and managers of commercial buildings are benchmarking their buildings voluntarily. Benchmarking helps them increase energy efficiency and reduce operating costs, which can also help raise property values.

What is benchmarking?

Benchmarking is:

• A comparison of a facility's level of energy efficiency with that of similar facilities nationwide.
• A no-cost way to track and assess the energy performance of your building.

How can benchmarking help you?

Benchmarking can help you accomplish these goals:

• Meet new state requirements (if applicable)
• Prioritize energy-efficiency investments
• Track energy-efficiency improvements over time
• Receive EPA recognition
• Get certification for your building under LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

Fact sheet

Download this helpful overview of benchmarking for more information.

• Fact Sheet (PDF)

How to benchmark

1. Collect your building's information using the Data Collection Worksheet that's right for your type of business.

• Find Data Collection Worksheets

2. Follow the step-by-step instructions (and troubleshoot if necessary).

• Step-by-Step Guide (PDF)

More helpful resources

Attend SoCalGas' benchmarking workshops, offered at no cost.

• Find a benchmarking workshop (PDF)

Set up an account in Portfolio Manager, which provides a benchmarking score:

• www.energystar.gov/benchmark *

To help you upload your SoCalGas energy usage data into Portfolio Manager, SoCalGas offers an Automated Benchmarking Service at no charge.

• Automated Benchmarking Service fact sheet (PDF)

You can also watch a video tutorial * on benchmarking offered on the ENERGY STAR® website.

*By clicking the link, you will leave socalgas.com and transfer directly to the website of a third party provider which is not part of the Southern California Gas Company. The Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy on that website will apply.

©2013 Southern California Gas Company. The above trademarks belong to their respective owners. All rights reserved. SoCalGas' energy-efficiency programs are funded by California utility customers and administered by Southern California Gas Company under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission. Programs are available on a first-come, first-served basis until program funds are no longer available. SoCalGas is not responsible for any goods or services selected by the customer.

Updated 2/2013