Important Update Regarding Private Building Energy Star Benchmarking

October 24, 2011

RE: Submission of ENERGY STAR® Benchmarking Data by Buildings Over 200,000 Square Feet

Dear Building Owners, Managers, and other Stakeholders:

I am pleased to announce that DDOE published its proposed ENERGY STAR® benchmarking regulations on Friday, October 21, 2011, for a 30-day public comment period. In addition, DDOE posted on its website a package of draft guidance, questions and answers, template letters, and worksheets to assist building owners and tenants in complying with the proposed regulation.

DDOE greatly appreciates the considerable time and attention that many stakeholders have already committed to shaping the roll-out of the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager regulation. I strongly encourage you to review the draft regulations and associated materials closely and to submit your comments in writing or in person at a public meeting to be held on 12:00pm on Wednesday, November 9, 2011, at 1200 First St NE, 10th Floor.

I also want to provide an update regarding the timing of a final rulemaking and the due date for submission of Portfolio Manager data for calendar year 2010 for buildings over 200,000 square feet. Because building owners and managers will need final regulations, guidance, and technical tools to submit Portfolio Manager results, DDOE is not requiring submission until this rulemaking is final. DDOE does not have an exact effective date for the final rule, but anticipates publishing a final rule in mid-December. DDOE will then provide building owners and managers additional time to comply with an anticipated reporting deadline at the end of January, 2012.

Even though our process has been delayed, DDOE strongly encourages building owners and managers with properties that may meet the 200,000 square foot threshold (as well as the 150,000 square foot threshold that will be captured beginning in April 2012) to begin or continue the process of establishing a Portfolio Manager account with U.S. EPA, gathering calendar year 2010 data on energy, water, and space use, and familiarizing themselves with the Portfolio Manager benchmarking process.

Information on benchmarking and links to training resources are available at DDOE's energy benchmarking website. I encourage you to visit the website to review the proposed regulation and guidance materials, and receive other news relevant to the benchmarking regulations.

We appreciate your patience and look forward to a constructive comment period and effective rollout of the final benchmarking rule. If you have any questions, please contact (202) 671-3042 or info.benchmark@dc.gov.

Best regards,
Christophe A. G. Tulou
Director, District Department of the Environment