The premise behind the energy benchmarking laws found in many cities is that they will induce owners to increase the efficiency of their buildings. But a new report questions whether the investment in data collection leads to changes in energy use.
A new report by a Harvard environmental economist questions energy efficiency benchmarking practices, which building owners often oppose, writes Elizabeth Daigneau.
The report argues that benchmarking, which requires that building owners track energy and water use in their buildings, does not account for individual resident use patterns and that low ratings can harm property values. Furthermore, the authors found no evidence "that these mandatory programs lead to any changes whatsoever in energy use.”
Commissioned by the Greater Boston Real Estate Board and the Building Owners and Managers Association, the report was produced in response to a new benchmarking ordinance in Boston, which would affect commercial properties larger than 25,000 SF and residential properties with more than 25 units.
Buildings account for the lion's share of greenhouse gas emissions in Boston, with 75 percent of building-related emissions coming from commercial and industrial operations.
The report is inconclusive on how benchmarking needs to be modified in order to ensure, rather than just track, building efficiency.
FULL STORY: Does energy benchmarking actually lead to more efficient buildings?
Boston Bus Signal Priority Project Yields Faster Travel Times
The city now plans to expand a year-long pilot project that reduced the time buses waited at traffic signals.
Boston Rail Network Sees Significant Increases in Speed After Eliminating ‘Slow Zones’
A year-long project that upgraded rail infrastructure and equipment has resulted in faster trips on all rail lines.
Boston Launches New Affordable Housing Preservation Fund
The Boston Acquisition Fund will offer low-interest loans to developers who pledge to keep multifamily housing affordable.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
The Five Most-Changed American Cities
A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.
San Diego Adopts First Mobility Master Plan
The plan provides a comprehensive framework for making San Diego’s transportation network more multimodal, accessible, and sustainable.
Housing, Supportive Service Providers Brace for Federal Cuts
Organizations that provide housing assistance are tightening their purse strings and making plans for maintaining operations if federal funding dries up.
Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement
An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions