Chicago's Energy Benchmarking Report Reveals $74 Million in Savings and Decline in Carbon Emissions

Strategic Insights -

The city of Chicago has released its 2019 Energy Benchmarking Report, which highlights a decline in carbon emissions and energy savings of nearly $74 million in properties over 50,000 square feet. The report demonstrates the effectiveness of the Chicago Energy Benchmarking Ordinance, which was passed in 2013 to promote energy efficiency and cost savings in large buildings. The ordinance requires properties to report their energy usage and has led to a decline in carbon emissions per square foot and a rise in energy-efficient buildings.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 2019 Chicago Energy Benchmarking Report reveals a decline in carbon emissions and energy savings of nearly $74 million in properties over 50,000 square feet.
  • The median ENERGY STAR score for all reporting properties in 2019 was 57, a six-point decrease since 2018, but higher than the national median of 50.
  • Since the ordinance was implemented, improvements have led to a savings of over $24.6 million per year in energy costs.
  • There was a 32% uptick in properties that received ENERGY STAR certification since 2016, indicating Chicago properties increasingly meet strict energy performance standards set by the EPA.
  • The benchmarking report details an analysis of nearly 3,000 properties spanning over 750 million square feet across the city.
  • When comparing total greenhouse gas emissions from nearly 2,000 properties that reported in 2016 and again reported in 2019, total GHG emissions are down 15%, which equates to over 900,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e).
  • Buildings account for 70% of Chicago's greenhouse gas emissions, and the City must improve energy efficiency in buildings to meet its long-term climate goals.
  • Reducing energy consumption is a significant step towards the City's continued commitment to the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, including a 26-28% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 and reaching 100% renewable energy by 2035.

Statistics:

  • 15% decline in total greenhouse gas emissions from nearly 2,000 properties that reported in 2016 and again reported in 2019.
  • Over 900,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) in reduced emissions.
  • Nearly $74 million in energy savings in properties over 50,000 square feet.
  • A 32% uptick in properties that received ENERGY STAR certification since 2016.
  • Over $24.6 million per year in energy costs savings since the ordinance was implemented.
  • 57 median ENERGY STAR score for all reporting properties in 2019.
  • 50 national median ENERGY STAR score.
  • 70% of Chicago's greenhouse gas emissions come from buildings.
  • 26-28% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2025.
  • 100% renewable energy by 2035.

Sources:

  • Chicago Office of the Mayor
  • City of Chicago's energy benchmarking page at cityofchicago.org/energybenchmarking
  • Elevate Energy
  • HT Media Ltd.
  • Syndigate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info)
  • American Cities Climate Challenge
  • City of Chicago: Environment and Sustainability
  • City of Chicago's Climate Action Plan