Energy benchmarking is the process of tracking a building's annual energy use and using a standard metric to compare the building's performance against past performance and to similar building types. Benchmarking improves understanding of energy consumption patterns; helps identify energy saving opportunities within a portfolio of buildings; and manages business bottom line through consistent data collection and tracking.
The
Maryland Clean Buildings Hub (the Hub), an initiative of the Maryland Energy Administration, empowers Maryland’s building owners to make well-informed energy investments in their properties by connecting them to financial, educational, and technical assistance. Sign-up for the Hub newsletter here.
ENERGY STAR PORTFOLIO MANAGER:
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Benchmarking is typically done in
ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager®, which is a free online tool managed by the Environmental Protection Agency that enables building owners to measure and track their buildings' energy, water use, waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions.
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Nearly 25% of U.S. commercial building space is already actively benchmarking in Portfolio Manager, making it the industry-leading benchmarking tool.
BUILDING ENERGY PERFORMANCE STANDARDS (BEPS):
- To ensure compliance with the Maryland BEPS, buildings 35,000 square feet and larger will need to report and share their energy use and emissions with Maryland’s Department of Environment (MDE) annually, beginning on June 1, 2025, and every June thereafter.
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Regardless of if your building is subject to Maryland’s BEPS, benchmarking is a critical step for building decarbonization.
| Portfolio Manager Resources |
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Portfolio Manager Quick Start Guide: Offers the basics to setting up a Portfolio Manager account, including adding a property/properties, entering energy data, and seeing results.
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Portfolio Manager Trainings: The Trainings Library offers both live and recorded webinars, written and video tutorials, and how-to’s for specific functions of the software.
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Benchmarking Resources & Technical Assistance |
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BEPS Benchmarking Guide: MDE's Benchmarking Guide provides clear instructions and resources for building owners and managers navigating the Maryland Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) compliance process for covered buildings.
Montgomery County Benchmarking Help Desk: Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection offers 1:1 technical support for buildings subject to the County’s Benchmarking Law. Buildings can sign up for a virtual, 30-minute meeting with County staff.
This offering applies only to buildings located in Montgomery County.
Montgomery County Benchmarking Ambassadors: Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection curates this list of stakeholders, volunteers, and energy service companies who have received an orientation on the County’s Benchmarking Law and on how to properly benchmark in Portfolio Manager. Please note that inclusion in this list does not confer certification, an official endorsement, or approval from the Montgomery County Government or any of its agencies. This offering applies only to buildings located in Montgomery County.
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Third-Party Verification Resources |
Buildings covered by the State BEPS will need to submit proof of third-party verification to MDE on June 1, 2026 and every five years thereafter.
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MDE's BEPS Benchmarking Guide: The third-party verification requirement is detailed in the Maryland Department of the Environment's BEPS Benchmarking Guide.
- Maryland BEPS Third-Party Verification Requirements & RFP Explainer: For owners of buildings covered by Maryland’s Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) outside of Montgomery County. Building owners will need to have their June 1, 2026 benchmarking reports (calendar year 2025 data) third-party verified - the Hub’s downloadable sample request for proposal (RFP) can help with hiring a vendor, and this companion webpage helps walkthrough the process.
- Montgomery County BEPS Data Verification Resource: For owners of buildings covered by Montgomery County's Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS). The Benchmarking Law requires that building owners complete a verification process the first year of compliance and every 3 years after. This How-to Guide for Data Verification (PDF) provides step-by-step guidance on how to complete data verification.
