Philadelphia has committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050, making compliance with local sustainability policies more important than ever. As we move towards the second cycle of Philadelphia Building Tune-Ups, The Stone House Group is here to help you stay informed and prepared to meet the city’s requirements. Read on to learn how to stay compliant and how The Stone House Group can ease the process for you.
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Launched in 2012, Philadelphia’s Energy and Benchmarking Disclosure Law serves as a foundation for the city’s climate strategy. The buildings and industry sector account for over 70% of greenhouse gas emissions in Philadelphia, making it a high priority for climate action. This law addresses the building sector head-on by mandating that the largest buildings in the city report on their annual energy and water usage.
Why? Benchmarking promotes transparency and accountability surrounding energy and water consumption. Benchmarking helps identify high-energy-use buildings, setting the stage for improvement and long-term reductions in energy costs and emissions.
Who? All commercial and multifamily buildings over 50,000 SF must participate in annual benchmarking.
When? Owners must submit benchmarking data by June 30th each year.
How? Monthly energy and water data, as well as building square footage and property use information, must be gathered and logged in the U.S. EPA’s free ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool. Total energy and water consumption is then shared with the City of Philadelphia for review, which then publishes the results in an annual report.
Philadelphia’s Building Energy Performance Policy was passed in 2023 and is often referred to as the “Building Tune-Up Bill.” Benchmarking data was foundational in identifying buildings that could benefit most from tune-ups, and with the second cycle approaching, property owners should prepare for upcoming requirements.
Why? Once fully implemented, this policy is expected to reduce carbon emissions in the City of Philadelphia by 200,000 metric tons– the equivalent of removing 40,000 cars from the roads. Tune-ups are estimated to reduce energy consumption by 10-15% on average, reducing energy costs and resulting in more comfortable and healthy buildings for tenants.
Who?All non-residential buildings with over 50,000 SF of indoor floor space. Certain buildings, such as those recently constructed or scheduled for demolition, are exempt.
When? Building owners must complete a building tune-up every five years. The first cycle of tune-ups just concluded in September of 2024, and the second cycle will begin in 2026. Tune-up deadlines are based on building size, with the largest buildings in Philadelphia having the earliest deadlines for report submission.
Visit the City of Philadelphia’s website for compliance deadlines related to filing for extensions, alternative compliance paths, and high-performance certification.
How? Building owners must hire an approved tune-up specialist, such as The Stone House Group, to complete the assessment and sign off on the Tune-Up Workbook. Tune-up specialists have Professional Engineer (PE) and/or Certified Energy Manager (CEM) licenses and at least seven years of related education and experience. Through the tune-up process, specialists identify operational and maintenance improvements that can reduce energy use and thus energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. High-performance buildings with ENERGY STAR or LEED certifications may qualify for the alternative compliance path to compliance.
In addition to being necessary for compliance and avoiding fines, the above laws can provide additional benefits to your building and organization.
Financial Benefits: Sustainable building practices can lead to lower operating costs through reduced energy and water utility consumption. Investing in modernization projects and practicing proactive facilities management can ensure efficient building operations, leading to long-term cost savings. Best practices in operation and maintenance can prevent costly repairs from deferred maintenance burdens down the road.
Corporate Social Responsibility: Many businesses and organizations are committed to sustainability as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. Complying with the aforementioned local laws demonstrates your organization's commitment to CSR and to building stewardship, engaging tenants/occupants who value environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
Healthy Buildings: Complying with the Philadelphia building policy can result in healthier buildings by reducing energy consumption, improving indoor air quality, and creating a more comfortable and productive environment for occupants. A healthy building can lead to improved employee morale, productivity, and tenant satisfaction.
The Stone House Group has been providing energy and sustainability consulting services such as building commissioning, energy audits, energy benchmarking, and greenhouse gas accounting since our company's inception in 1999. We have a deep understanding of the requirements of Philadelphia’s building energy policies and have been helping clients comply with local laws for years. Our qualified associates take a holistic approach to our clients’ energy and sustainability needs, considering all aspects of the campus operations and the institutions’ goals.
If you are looking for a partner to help you comply with Philadelphia benchmarking and building tune-ups, The Stone House Group is the right choice. We have the experience, expertise, and commitment to help you achieve your compliance goals. Contact The Stone House Group today to learn more about how we can help you comply with Philadelphia’s local laws.
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