Why is now the time to implement a building labeling program?

As the nation looks to reduce its energy use, information is the critical first step in making the necessary choices and changes. Building energy labeling provides tremendous benefits in helping reduce energy use: potential and measured energy use; feedback on a building’s energy performance; insight into the value and potential long-term energy costs; differentiation in the marketplace; and identification of energy efficiency measure.

Such programs already are available in the marketplace with significant efforts in the European Union and Canada. Efforts in the U.S. states include both voluntary rating programs and mandatory energy disclosure policies.  Building eQ provides information that can be used for disclosure requirements that are being implemented in states as requirements for real estate and similar transactions.  Currently nine states and cities have mandatory building energy disclosure policies for commercial and multifamily buildings. These include: California; Washington, DC; Austin, Texas; Washington; New York City, N.Y.; Seattle, Wash.; San Francisco, Calif.; Portland, Ore.; and Massachusetts.

How will a Building Energy Disclosure Program Benefit my Community?

1. Provides a mechanism for measuring all building energy consumption within a community
2. Assist in enforcement of building energy codes
3. When used in public buildings, demonstrate responsible use of tax payer funds
4. Protect consumers from unknown future energy costs
5. Reduces energy use while allowing building owners to make decisions about their property

How Can Energy Disclosure Requirements be Implemented?

1. Require all new buildings to obtain an asset rating before issuing building permits
2. Require disclosure of past operational energy use and/or asset rating upon sale or lease of existing buildings
3. Require existing buildings to report operational energy use with schedule for implementation based on square footage