Benchmarking FAQs

Along with the benchmarking policy, we are providing more targeted utility support, recognition for high performing buildings, technical assistance programs for building operators, and an increase in resources and attention towards building energy efficiency in Saint Paul.

Benchmarking allows building owners and managers to make more informed decisions regarding energy by showing exact data and costs over time. Benchmarking energy use is the first step toward eliminating waste and optimizing energy use and savings. Accessible building energy data will also allow for more targeted outreach from utilities and availability of different forms of financing, like PACE.

The City is partnering with building owners to make this as easy a lift as possible. We are planning to offer benchmarking training sessions in April and May, where we will work with you to set up your buildings in ENERGY STAR’s Portfolio Manager tool, help get Xcel Energy data to populate for those buildings, and walk through the submission process with you.

Approximately 2 hours for first time users on the Portfolio Manager tool.

We believe this concern could mostly be assuaged with a better understanding of benchmarking in general and Portfolio Manager in particular, so we encourage you to attend the trainings we are planning later in the spring.

Although this is not specifically a clean energy program, Portfolio Manager does take this into account and it would lower your carbon emissions.

This would make it very difficult for building owners to benefit from the policy. Transparency will allow for more targeted outreach from utilities and availability of different forms of financing, like PACE.