Chicago energy benchmarking: What your building should know

What is energy benchmarking?

Energy benchmarking is the practice of measuring and reporting how much energy a building uses to understand its efficiency over time. The process helps reveal how well a property performs compared with similar buildings and highlights opportunities to improve.

For boards, owners, and managers, energy benchmarking provides a clear picture of how a building operates day to day. Tracking the data over time makes it easier to spot trends that influence maintenance priorities, budget planning, and long-term value. In multifamily and condominium communities, it’s become a cornerstone of responsible management and a reliable way to make informed operational decisions.

This article is not intended to and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Board members should consult their association’s attorney to discuss the legal implications of their decisions or actions prior to proceeding.
 

A guide to Chicago energy benchmarking

Chicago’s Energy Benchmarking Ordinance requires residential buildings that are 50,000 square feet or more to report their annual energy use to the city. The report must be submitted through the EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager by June 1 each year.

The ordinance applies to residential, commercial, and municipal buildings, including condominiums, cooperatives, and apartment buildings. Each covered property must report its total energy consumption for the previous year. This data is entered into ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and shared with the City of Chicago.

The city requires that a licensed professional, such as a licensed architect or professional engineer, verify the accuracy of your data at least once every three years. The city publishes benchmarking results publicly to promote awareness and highlight buildings that perform efficiently.
 

Compliance tips

Complying with Chicago’s energy benchmarking requirements starts with organized data and a clear plan. Use the following checklist to stay on track:

• Confirm your building’s ID: Find your Chicago Energy Benchmarking ID on the City of Chicago Data Portal.
   
• Set up utility access: Confirm that electricity, natural gas, and other energy accounts allow you to retrieve monthly usage data.
   
• Verify building size: Confirm that your property is 50,000 square feet or larger, since smaller buildings are exempt.
   
• Gather annual data: Collect full-year energy usage information for accurate reporting.
   
• Enter information in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager: Use the platform to track your building’s performance and submit required data.
   
• Check accuracy: Review the report before submitting to catch any missing or inconsistent information.
   
• Schedule verification: Have your data verified by a licensed professional at least once every three years.
   
• Submit before June 1: Meet the annual deadline to avoid compliance notices or penalties.

Many boards and owners work with management companies like FirstService Residential that can support them through this process. Managers with experience in energy benchmarking already have systems in place to coordinate with utilities, organize data, and manage submissions.
 

Chicago energy rating system

Chicago’s Energy Rating System works hand-in-hand with energy benchmarking. After you submit your annual data, the city assigns a rating between zero and four stars based on your building’s efficiency compared to similar properties. A four-star rating indicates excellent performance, while a one-star rating suggests there’s room for improvement. Buildings that meet or exceed ENERGY STAR certification typically receive the highest ratings.

The city also requires that buildings post their energy rating placard in a visible area, such as the lobby entrance. This allows residents and prospective buyers to see how efficiently the building operates.
 

Energy efficiency tips

Once your building is benchmarking regularly, you can use the data to make strategic improvements. Even small changes can yield measurable results in performance and comfort.

Simple efficiency practices include:

• Routine maintenance: Schedule preventive service for mechanical systems to keep them running efficiently.
   
• Lighting upgrades: Transition common area lighting to LED fixtures and add occupancy sensors.
   
• Smart controls: Use programmable thermostats and building automation systems to optimize heating and cooling.
   
• Water management: Track water usage to catch leaks and reduce waste.
   
• Resident awareness: Effective communication with residents can encourage simple energy-saving behaviors, such as keeping windows closed when HVAC is running or reporting maintenance issues quickly.

The goal is steady, incremental improvement. Benchmarking helps measure whether these changes are making a difference.
 

Common challenges and how to overcome them

Some boards find the benchmarking process challenging at first, especially when gathering historical utility data. The key is to set up systems early and maintain consistent recordkeeping year over year. When utilities are in individual resident names, it can be harder to collect whole-building energy data. In those cases, managers can work directly with providers like ComEd or Peoples Gas to request aggregate information for the property.

Another common challenge is data verification. The city requires a licensed professional to verify the accuracy of benchmarking data every three years. Boards can simplify this by scheduling verification alongside other regular reviews, such as reserve studies or capital planning updates.

Finally, it’s important to assign a clear point of contact. Whether it’s a board liaison or manager, having one person responsible for communication and submissions reduces the risk of missed deadlines or incomplete reporting. With the right structure in place, energy benchmarking becomes a routine part of the management cycle, similar to budgeting or annual financial audits.
 

About FirstService Residential

At FirstService Residential, we help Chicago boards and building owners meet energy benchmarking requirements and use their data to operate more efficiently. Our managers can offer support throughout the process by gathering utility data, maintaining ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager profiles, coordinating third-party verification, and submitting reports.

Beyond compliance, we help buildings use benchmarking insights to identify opportunities for savings. Our Chicago team brings deep experience with high-rise, mid-rise, and condominium management, supported by the strength and resources of North America’s leading residential management company.

Contact FirstService Residential today to learn how we can help your Chicago building stay compliant with energy benchmarking requirements and improve performance year after year.