2025 Energy Benchmarking Requirements in Chicago: What You Need to Know

2025 Chicago Energy Benchmarking - VertPro®

In the bustling cityscape of Chicago, property owners and managers face an evolving landscape of regulations designed to enhance environmental sustainability and reduce the city’s carbon footprint. As we approach 2025, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest energy benchmarking requirements that could significantly impact your property management strategies. This article provides a comprehensive guide on the upcoming changes, new penalties for non-compliance, and the advantages of adhering to the rules ahead of time.

Understanding Chicago Energy Benchmarking Requirements 

Energy benchmarking, a process for tracking and reporting a building’s annual energy usage, is part of Chicago’s broader initiative to promote energy efficiency across the city. The Chicago Energy Benchmarking Ordinance, initially passed in 2013, requires municipal, commercial, and residential buildings over 50,000 square feet to report their energy consumption through the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. 

This initiative is not just about adhering to regulations; it aims to encourage building owners to consider more sustainable practices by making energy consumption data public. Transparency in energy usage is expected to foster a competitive spirit among property owners to enhance their building’s energy efficiency, thus contributing to a reduction in overall energy consumption across the city.

New Penalties in 2025 

Starting in 2025, the City of Chicago is set to introduce stricter penalties for buildings that fail to comply with the benchmarking requirements. Non-compliance can lead to fines but more importantly, repeated non-compliance could lead to stricter scrutiny and potential limitations on building operations. The specifics of these penalties have been outlined to ensure that they serve as a significant deterrent against non-compliance, ultimately stressing the importance of meeting the benchmarking standards. 

The new penalty structure is designed not just to punish but to prompt property owners to take action towards compliance. These penalties can range from financial burdens to restrictions, making it imperative that building owners understand and start planning to meet these requirements well in advance.

2025 Compliance Deadlines in Chicago

For property owners and managers aiming to meet the 2025 compliance deadlines, it is crucial to start the benchmarking process early. The deadline specifics entail submitting a fully compliant report detailing the previous year’s energy consumption. This report must meet the criteria set forth by the city’s sustainability office and should be prepared using the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool. 

Failure to meet these deadlines can result in penalties, as mentioned, but can also negatively impact a building’s marketability and operational capabilities. Prospective tenants are increasingly aware of sustainability efforts and often make leasing decisions based on a building’s environmental impact and operational efficiency.

Benefits of Early Compliance 

Complying with the benchmarking requirements ahead of schedule can provide numerous benefits: 

  1. Cost Savings: Early compliance can lead to earlier identification of ways to reduce energy consumption, which in turn reduces utility costs. Over time, these savings can be substantial, especially for larger buildings or portfolios of properties.
  2. Enhanced Building Value: Buildings known for their energy efficiency and compliance tend to attract more tenants and command higher rents or sale prices. Compliance not only boosts a building’s market profile but also its overall value.
  3. Reputation Management: Being a leader in energy compliance can significantly enhance a property owner’s reputation, setting them apart as a responsible and forward-thinking manager or owner. This can be particularly beneficial in a competitive market like Chicago.
  4. Access to Incentives: The City of Chicago often offers incentives such as rebates or grants for buildings that show exemplary compliance or demonstrate significant improvements in their energy efficiency. Early compliance can provide access to these incentives before they are exhausted.
  5. Reduced Regulatory Burden: By becoming familiar with the requirements and integrating them into the regular operational routine, buildings can reduce the burden of last-minute compliance, which often involves scrambling for resources and information.

Preparing for Compliance

To prepare for the upcoming 2025 deadlines, property owners and managers should begin by auditing their current energy usage to understand how it compares to the benchmarking requirements. Engaging with energy consultants or using automated tools to track and manage energy consumption can provide insights into potential areas for improvement. 

Additionally, educational workshops, provided by the City of Chicago or private consultants, can offer valuable information and resources on how to comply with the benchmarking ordinances effectively. Networking with other property managers who have undergone the process can also provide practical tips and firsthand insights.

Conclusion

The 2025 energy benchmarking requirements in Chicago represent a significant step towards a more sustainable urban environment. By understanding these requirements, the associated penalties for non-compliance, and the benefits of early compliance, property owners and managers can not only avoid penalties but also contribute positively to their city’s future. Now is the time to act, to ensure your properties are not only compliant but are also part of Chicago’s green revolution. 

For further information and resources, property owners and managers should visit the official City of Chicago website or consult with energy compliance experts who specialize in Chicago’s property market. Staying ahead of these requirements not only ensures compliance but also positions your properties as leaders in sustainability and efficiency in one of America’s most dynamic cities. 

VertPro.com serves as a resourceful platform for property owners and managers seeking to enhance their buildings’ energy efficiency. The site offers a range of services, including Commercial Energy Audits, Benchmark Compliance consultancy, and a Construction Marketplace. At the heart of VertPro® is a suite of SaaS technology-based solutions designed to assist in navigating the complexities of Energy Benchmarking and Energy Audits/RCx Plus, while ensuring adherence to over 60 Energy Benchmarking and Energy Efficiency Laws across the country.

For those looking to improve their property’s energy usage and operational value, VertPro.com provides a diverse array of tools and information. The site aims to facilitate a better understanding of energy efficiency practices and legislation, helping building owners and property managers make informed decisions about their energy strategies while complying with all energy ordinances and laws.

If you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve in building management and ensure your properties meet the future benchmarking laws, we’re here to help. Fill out our contact form [ here ], and one of our experts will get in touch to discuss how we can assist you in optimizing your building management strategies for 2025 and beyond.

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VertPro® is a one-stop shop SaaS platform for building owners & managers to comply with every Energy Benchmark law across the United States, in 30 minutes or less. Beyond energy compliance, use VertPro to simplify your energy upgrades and building improvements. From obtaining multiple pre-screened bids for various energy projects (like Angie’s List, for CRE), to searching for Utility Rebates, to getting professional help identifying which upgrades are best for your specific building, VertPro® simplifies energy efficiency and compliance across your portfolio. Sign up for a free consultation above on our calendar. For any questions, you may reach me at Kevin.Sullivan@VertEnergyGroup.com or give me a call at (949) 200-7728.