BuildingRating

Sharing Transparency for a More Efficient Future

Portland

Portland, Orgeon
Policy Description:

On April 22, 2015, Portland City Council voted unanimously to approve a new policy that will require owners of commercial buildings over 20,000 square feet to track energy use and report it on an annual basis. The policy will cover nearly 80 percent of the commercial square footage and affect approximately 1,000 buildings.

“Portland has set a goal to cut carbon emissions 80 percent by 2050. To reach that goal, we all have a role to play — public and private, at work and at home,” said Portland Mayor Charlie Hales. “Reducing energy use in buildings is a critical part of that picture. Tracking energy use and investing in energy efficiency saves money for the building owners. And for the city as a whole. Last year alone, the city saved $6 million on its own energy bills.”

The policy will cover offices, retail spaces, grocery stores, hotels, health care and higher education buildings. It does not include residential properties, nursing homes, and places of worship, parking structures, K-12 schools, industrial facilities or warehouses.

The new Energy Performance Reporting Policy will require commercial buildings to track performance with a free online tool called ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and report energy use information to the City of Portland on an annual basis. There are approximately 5,000 commercial buildings in Portland. Currently fewer than 100 buildings claim ENERGY STAR certification.

Enacted Date:
2015
Authority in Charge:
Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
Tool Name:
ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
Relevant Links:
Building Types Affected Size Compliance Deadline
Non-Residential Greater Than or Equal To 50,000 Sq. Feet 2016-04-22
Non-Residential Greater Than or Equal To 20,000 Sq. Feet 2017-04-22
Public/Government Greater Than or Equal To 20,000 Sq. Feet 2017-04-22
Notes:
The following primary use types are covered by the Portland benchmarking ordinance: Auto dealership, Bowling alley, Commercial building, Commercial condominium, Day care center, Fraternal building, Generic commercial use or shop, Health club, Hotel, Medical office, Motel, Office, Public Building, Recreation, Store, Theater, Warehouse predominantly used as any of the above property types
Exemptions:
The ordinance's definition of "Covered building" does not include buildings predominantly used for housing, industrial, nursing home, parking, primary and secondary education, residential, warehouse and worship pmposes.
Number of Buildings Affected:
1,024
Floor Area Affected:
87,000,000 Sq. Feet
Transparency:
Required Transparency:
Yes
Transparency Method:
Public Website
Transparency Trigger:
Date Certain
Frequency:
Annually
Required Transparency:
No
Reporting:
Required Reporting:
Yes
Reporting Trigger:
Date Certain
Reporting Frequency:
Annually

Utility Requirements/Support:

Utility Requirements/Support:
No

Verification:

Verification:
No

Compliance:

Compliance Enforcement:
Yes
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
Yes
Description:
$500 for every 90 day period during which violations continue.
Additional Program Information:
Audits:
No
Retrocommissioning:
No
Water Use Tracking:
No