Unlocking the Power of Energy Benchmarking in 2025: What Portland Building Owners Need to Know

Portland Oregon Energy Benchmarking

As a building owner in Portland, Oregon, understanding energy benchmarking isn’t just about compliance—it’s about unlocking savings, boosting property value, and contributing to a sustainable future. Portland’s Energy Performance Reporting Policy applies to approximately 1,000 buildings in Portland, meaning that all building owners in the area should be keenly aware of its existence and functions. This is a cornerstone of the city’s efforts to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and it’s essential to know how it works, the legislation behind it, and the updates that may impact your operations.

What Is Energy Benchmarking?

Energy benchmarking is the process of tracking a building’s energy performance and comparing it to similar properties. Under Portland’s Energy Performance Reporting Policy, commercial buildings of 20,000 square feet or larger are required to use the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager®—a free web-based tool—to measure and report their energy use annually.

This tool evaluates energy performance based on factors like building size, type, occupancy, and energy consumption, generating a score from 1 to 100. A higher score indicates better energy efficiency, with a score of 75 or higher qualifying for ENERGY STAR® certification. The performance score generated by ENERGY STAR® offers valuable insights into the aforementioned factors that play into a building’s efficiency, helping owners identify opportunities for improvement.

The Role of Gross Floor Area Reports

Gross Floor Area (GFA) reports play a critical role in energy benchmarking by providing a standardized measure of the total building area. This metric includes all enclosed spaces, such as common areas, mechanical rooms, and storage areas, and is a key input in the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager®. Accurate GFA data ensures that energy performance metrics are reliable and comparable across similar buildings.

When reporting GFA, building owners should:

  1. Verify Measurements: Ensure that the reported GFA is consistent with architectural plans or physical measurements.
  2. Exclude Unconditioned Spaces: Do not include spaces that are not heated, cooled, or lit.
  3. Update Annually: Reassess and update GFA data each year to reflect any building modifications or expansions.

By accurately reporting GFA, building owners can gain meaningful insights into their energy use intensity (EUI), giving them a better understanding on how their energy is used or wasted in the first place, while also complying with Portland requirements on energy reporting.

Benchmarking in Portland

Legislative Origins

The Energy Performance Reporting Policy was adopted by the Portland City Council in April 2015 as part of the city’s broader Climate Action Plan. This plan aims to cut energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in order to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, while encouraging energy efficiency across the commercial real estate sector.

Building owners are required to:

  1. Track Energy Use: Measure energy performance using the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager®.
  2. Report Annually: Submit data to the City of Portland by April 22 each year.

Key Updates to the Policy to Portland’s Policies

Energy benchmarking policies evolve to reflect emerging sustainability goals and technological advancements. Here are some critical updates and changes that building owners should be aware of:

  • Temporary Suspension and Reinstatement: In 2023, the program was temporarily paused, and building owners were not required to report energy data for the 2022 calendar year. Reporting requirements have since been reinstated, with the next deadline set for April 22, 2024.
  • Statewide Energy Standards: In June 2023, Oregon passed House Bill 3409, which establishes statewide energy performance standards for large commercial buildings. This new legislation will require building owners to implement energy management strategies and meet efficiency targets. The program, administered by the Oregon Department of Energy, has taken effect as of January 1, 2025.

Why Energy Benchmarking Matters for Building Owners

Energy benchmarking is more than a regulatory requirement—it’s a strategic advantage for building owners. Here’s why:

  1. Identify Cost-Saving Opportunities: Benchmarking helps pinpoint inefficiencies, paving the way for energy-saving upgrades.
  2. Enhance Property Value: Energy-efficient buildings are more attractive to tenants and buyers.
  3. Support Climate Goals: By participating, you’re contributing to Portland’s vision of a sustainable and carbon-neutral future.

Tips on Complying with Portland’s Energy Benchmarking:

    1. Get Started with ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager®: If you haven’t already, create an account and start tracking your building’s energy use.
    2. Procure GFA Reporting Services: WorkflowControl’s GFA reporting services will help you scan the common areas of your building so you can get an accurate measure to report on ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager®.
    3. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on updates from the City of Portland and the Oregon Department of Energy. Their instructions page includes a how-to guide to help you navigate this process. WorkflowControl’s Compliance Hub can also help you stay up to date on recent energy policy changes. 
    4. Consider Energy Efficiency Upgrades: Use your benchmarking results to identify opportunities for improvement.
    5. Leverage Incentives: Explore local and state incentives for energy-efficient retrofits.

How Workflow Control Can Help

You can stay up to date on all the latest updates on Portland’s regulations on our Compliance Hub page or subscribe to our newsletter. If you are a Portland building owner, portfolio manager, or property manager, let Workflow Control help you tackle all these changes. Our software provides assistance with energy compliance, energy benchmarking, and capital planning, ensuring you stay ahead on all your energy needs!

Conclusion

Portland’s energy benchmarking policy is a vital tool for building owners to reduce costs, enhance property value, and align with the city’s sustainability goals. By understanding and leveraging the program, you can turn compliance into a competitive advantage.

Stay ahead by marking your calendar for the April 22, 2024, reporting deadline and preparing for the upcoming statewide standards in 2025. Together, we can build a greener Portland.

Ready to get started?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Ready to learn more about getting your buildings connected?

909 Rose Ave, Suite 400
North Bethesda, MD 20852

© 2025 · Workflow Control by Funnel Worksuite · All Rights Reserved 

Start for free.

Nunc libero diam, pellentesque a erat at, laoreet dapibus enim. Donec risus nisi, egestas ullamcorper sem quis.

Let us know you.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar leo.