Benchmarking Case Study: How One Building Improved Its ENERGY STAR Score By 25 Points
A compliance check radically changed how one building owner’s property performed. Here’s what happened.
A Struggling Office Building In Need Of Insight
The property owner wasn’t sure how their 7-story commercial office building compared to others.
They knew their ENERGY STAR score was low (56 out of 100 ) but they couldn’t identify what was causing the low score. The property passed basic inspections, but energy bills kept creeping up, and tenant feedback hinted at rising HVAC issues.
Like many owners, they assumed everything was “okay.” The property had its little issues but everything kept running like it was supposed to. So what changed? Their city required an annual benchmarking report.
That benchmarking report would become the key to a 25-point ENERGY STAR score jump.
What Benchmarking Revealed
Benchmarking shows how your building performs compared to similar buildings nationwide.
In this case, the ENERGY STAR benchmarking analysis revealed three things:
⚙️ Key Audit Findings
💡 1. Inefficient Lighting Systems
Lighting fixtures were outdated and running at high wattage during low-occupancy hours.
❄️ 2. Excessive HVAC Runtime
HVAC systems operated longer than average — even during nights and weekends.
🏠 3. Poor Insulation Performance
The building’s insulation levels did not meet current energy codes.
The benchmarking process didn’t just identify these issues. It quantified the impact.
The team realized that simple, low-cost upgrades could push the score over 75, qualifying the building for ENERGY STAR certification and improving tenant satisfaction.
The Action Plan: No Major Retrofits Needed
You don’t need a deep retrofit to improve your energy score.
With the benchmarking report in hand, the team implemented a phased strategy over three months:
Lighting Controls
They installed occupancy sensors and LED retrofits in common areas and stairwells.
HVAC Scheduling
Adjustments to runtime reduced after-hours cooling without affecting tenant comfort.
Insulation Patching
Targeted insulation work was done in a few problem areas identified by infrared scans.
These upgrades ended up costing less than $2/sq. ft, and most were covered under existing maintenance budgets.
The Results: ENERGY STAR Score Jumps 25 Points
Within six months of completing the action plan, the building’s new benchmarking submission showed impressive results:
| Metric | Before | After |
| ENERGY STAR Score | 56 | 81 |
| Annual Energy Use (kBtu) | 8.7M | 6.4M |
| Tenant Comfort Complaints | 5+/month | <1/month |
| Estimated Savings | — | $41,000/yr |
Benchmarking Benefits Beyond The Score
ENERGY STAR recognition was just the beginning.
Thanks to benchmarking, the building owner gained:
- A clear roadmap for future upgrades
- Eligibility for local tax credits tied to energy efficiency
- A stronger position when negotiating lease renewals
- Proof of compliance for city reporting mandates
And perhaps most importantly: peace of mind.
Benchmarking removed the guesswork and gave the property team confidence in their data.
Success Snapshot: Before vs. After
Here’s a quick summary of how benchmarking helped this property:
| Before Benchmarking | After Benchmarking | |
| ENERGY STAR Score | 56 | 81 |
| Compliance Confidence | Low (manual tracking) | High (automated monitoring) |
| Energy Cost Predictability | Volatile | Stable with projected savings |
| Upgrade Planning | No visibility | Targeted + budget-aligned |
Why ENERGY STAR Scores Matter In 2025 And Beyond
ENERGY STAR isn’t just a sticker.
A score of 75 or higher now plays a role in:
- Public performance disclosures in cities like NYC, Boston, and LA
- Investor risk assessments for ESG portfolios
- Lease negotiations where tenants demand sustainability transparency
Buildings with high ENERGY STAR scores command better rents, longer leases, and lower vacancy rates. And benchmarking is the first step toward getting there.
Avoid This Common Mistake
Many owners file benchmarking reports just to check a box.
But when done right, benchmarking is more than compliance, it’s strategy.
Don’t waste the opportunity to unlock insights that can increase your property’s value, reduce energy waste, and protect your budget for years to come.
See The Impact Of Benchmarking For Yourself
If you’re wondering whether your building could benefit from a similar boost, there’s a simple answer:
Start with benchmarking. It’s a quick, cost efficient way to get the exact roadmap you need to improve your building’s energy use (and get compliant with state energy laws).
