Benchmarking Services

SWA uses various benchmarking tools and intuitive graphical energy modeling software to gauge a building’s energy performance in comparison to similar code-compliant buildings, quantifying its potential for improvement.

For clients who seek high performance improvements and/or certifications across multiple buildings, SWA also works with asset managers, owners, and building staff to develop a replicable “do-it-yourself” model for future use throughout a portfolio.

New Benchmarking requirements in NYC

Beginning in 2009, the City of New York passed several Local Laws collectively known as the Greener, Greater Buildings Plan. As part of the City’s larger sustainability plan, PlaNYC, the Greener, Greater Buildings Plan radically changes the landscape of building efficiency — and building efficiently — in NYC.

Several SWA leaders participated on the Mayor’s PlaNYC Task Force as expert industry consultants in the formation of the new laws; we approach compliance with the most sophisticated understanding of the new requirements and their future implications.

Local Law 84 (Benchmaking Buildings Over 50,000 sf):
As of May 2011, private building owners are required to annually benchmark any buildings over 50,000 sf. Owners of buildings must request information on commercial tenants’ separately metered energy uses for the previous 12 months and tenants are obligated to provide the requested information.

SWA professionals walk owners and developers through the compliance process by benchmarking and preparing all of the necessary research and documentation for reporting to the City.

Learn more about the Greener, Greater Buildings Plan and SWA’s Compliance Services.