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Chicago Achieves Significant Reduction in Carbon Emissions Through Energy Benchmarking Report

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The 2020 Chicago Energy Benchmarking Report reveals a 25% reduction in carbon emissions per square foot in properties over 50,000 square feet, with a rapid decline in energy use since 2016. The report highlights the effectiveness of the Chicago Energy Benchmarking Ordinance, passed by City Council in 2013, in promoting energy efficiency and cost savings in large buildings. By raising awareness of energy performance through transparency, building owners and tenants are empowered to make informed decisions about energy use.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 2020 Chicago Energy Benchmarking Report shows a 25% reduction in carbon emissions per square foot in properties over 50,000 square feet.
  • The Chicago Energy Benchmarking Ordinance, passed in 2013, has been instrumental in promoting energy efficiency and cost savings in large buildings.
  • The median ENERGY STAR score for all reporting properties in 2020 was 60, a 3-point increase since 2019, and higher than the national median of 50.
  • The number of properties that received ENERGY STAR certification increased by 30% since 2016.
  • Total GHG emissions are down 25% per square foot, equivalent to over 200,000 metric tons of CO2e, or removing nearly 55,000 passenger cars from the road each year.
  • Buildings account for 70% of Chicago's greenhouse gas emissions, and the City must improve energy efficiency to meet its long-term climate goals.
  • The City aims to reduce energy consumption and meet its climate commitments, including a 26-28% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 and reaching 100% renewable energy by 2035.

Statistics:

  • 25% reduction in carbon emissions per square foot in properties over 50,000 square feet.
  • 650 buildings achieved the top energy rating in the 2020 report, a 6% increase from 2019.
  • Median ENERGY STAR score for all reporting properties in 2020 was 60, a 3-point increase since 2019.
  • 30% increase in properties that received ENERGY STAR certification since 2016.
  • Total GHG emissions are down 25% per square foot, equivalent to over 200,000 metric tons of CO2e.
  • Buildings account for 70% of Chicago's greenhouse gas emissions.
  • By 2025, the City aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 26-28%.

Sources:

  • City of Chicago Office of the Mayor
  • The 2020 Chicago Energy Benchmarking Report
  • ENERGY STAR webpage
  • American Cities Climate Challenge webpage

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