The City of Atlanta is offering a grace period for commercial building owners who missed the July deadline to submit energy and water benchmarking data. The grace period ends on Sept. 21.
Passed in April, the Commercial Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance requires private and municipal buildings over 50,000 square feet to submit annual energy and water use data to the city. The Mayor’s Office of Sustainability expects benchmarking to improve energy efficiency, spur job creation, and reduce buildings’ carbon emissions.
There is a helpdesk that offers support via one-on-one consultation to owners and operators needing assistance with benchmarking.
Utilizing the collected benchmark data, building owners will complete an energy audit once every 10 years, allowing them to see how they can improve performance by upgrading equipment and systems. In addition, building performance data collected under the ordinance will be made available to the public to allow the market to recognize, reward, and drive increased demand for high-performing buildings.
Failure to comply with this year’s benchmarking submission requirement could result in a fine of $1,000 per property.
Information: 404-604-3665, Benchmarkhelp@southface.org or www.atlantabuildingefficiency.com
About the Author
