Description
Benchmarking is the practice of tracking energy and water use over time to determine how a building performs compared to buildings of the same type. With this information, owners can identify opportunities to reduce energy and water use, save money, and cut emissions. In January 2020, the City of Saint Paul joined 24 other cities nationwide to require owners of large commercial and multifamily buildings to benchmark their energy and water use. Benchmarking energy use is the first step toward eliminating waste and optimizing energy use and savings.
The 2024 Benchmarking Report highlights 656 commercial, multifamily, and public buildings in Saint Paul that benchmarked their 2023 energy and water use, achieving a record 93% compliance rate with the City’s energy benchmarking ordinance! Compliance rates have increased each year since the program’s inception in 2019, giving Saint Paul one of the highest compliance rates in Minnesota.
Because commercial and residential buildings are responsible for 62% of Saint Paul’s greenhouse gas emissions, and because the average commercial building wastes an estimated 30% of its energy due to inefficiencies, the City must prioritize this sector.
For more individualized details such as building size, location, energy usage, certifications (such as ENERGY STAR certification), energy performance metrics, and other relevant information, check out the Efficient Building Collaborative (EBC) map.
In cities requiring benchmarking, buildings have realized an average annual energy savings of 2-3% from just the benchmarking process. Learn more here: https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/mayors-office/energize-saint-paul
REFLECTING ON BENCHMARKING IN SAINT PAUL
LOOKING BACK
Organized benchmarking efforts have been underway in Saint Paul for more than a decade, beginning with the 2012 launch of Kilowatt Crackdown sponsored by Xcel Energy, Greater St. Paul BOMA, and the Saint Paul Port Authority. In 2016, the City of Saint began to consider adopting a benchmarking ordinance, like those in other U.S. cities, and from 2016-2018, the City undertook intensive research, planning, and stakeholder engagement. Informed by the work of the previous three years, the Saint Paul City Council adopted the Saint Paul benchmarking ordinance in 2019.
Between 2020 and 2024, the benchmarking program was tremendously successful, with compliance rates near 90%, and many building owners adopting energy efficiency measures based on benchmarking data.
LOOKING AHEAD
In 2023, the Minnesota Legislature passed a statewide benchmarking law similar to the Saint Paul ordinance. The law became effective in the spring of 2025. To avoid confusion and duplication of efforts, the City of Saint Paul discontinued its ordinance and allowed the State to assume responsibility for ensuring compliance. Because the state law is so similar to the City ordinance, Saint Paul building owners are well prepared to comply
Mayor Carter is deeply appreciative of the relationship forged between the City and building owners and managers over the years through the development and implementation of the benchmarking ordinance. While the State assumes responsibility for benchmarking oversight in 2025, the City of Saint Paul plans to remain engaged with building owners and supportive of their important work.
