a photo of a measurement tool representing benchmarking

Benchmarking

Overview

New York State Homes & Community Renewal (HCR) began benchmarking its portfolios in 2015 to record, track, and analyze energy usage. In support of the ambitious goals set forth in New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) of 2019, HCR has expanded its benchmarking program. Properties that meet any of the criteria of the Covered Building Definition are required to benchmark with HCR.

Covered Building Definition:

  • HCR supervised PHFL Article 2 or Article 4 Mitchell-Lama developments 25,000 square feet or larger;
  • New York State-aided municipal housing authority projects;
  • Projects certified by the Climate Bond Initiative as green or climate bonds;
  • Projects financed with Housing Finance Agency (HFA) bonds, 4% tax credits and subsidy funds in the fall of 2019 or later; 
  • Properties in excess 25,000 square feet and located outside of New York City in receipt of 9% tax credits or other HCR capital programs; 
  • Properties subject to New York City Local Law 84, as amended; or
  • Projects subject to an energy benchmarking requirement as set forth in a regulatory agreement with HCR.

 

2024 Covered Buildings List - PDF

2024 Covered Buildings List - Excel

*The Covered Buildings List is not exhaustive. Properties that meet the above Covered Building Definition criteria are required to benchmark even if not found on the Covered Buildings List.

 

Benchmarking helps us better understand how buildings use energy and water, and whether implemented energy efficiency measures have realized their expected energy savings. It also provides a performance comparison between HCR portfolio properties and similar buildings in New York and in other states. 

Importantly, benchmarking is an essential first step to help owners and property managers better understand and manage energy and water costs. HCR is requiring properties in the designated portfolios to benchmark energy usage using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool, an on-line energy tracking system. 

 

Energy use data for properties on the Covered Buildings List is due annually to HCR via the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool by May 1st.  

Failure to submit either the Property Intake Survey and/or usage data in the EPA Energy Star Portfolio Manager system or failure to submit whole building (owner and resident-paid) usage data will be considered non-compliance with HCR's benchmarking program.

 

The most efficient and accurate method of complying with HCR’s benchmarking requirement is to work with a service provider that will collect the data directly from the local utility company. The cost for the provider is an HCR approved operating expense. 

 

HCR Benchmarking Program

A. Management Company/Owner of Properties in HCR Portfolio

B. HCR Staff and HCR Benchmarking Consultant

C. Benchmarking Service Providers retained by Management Company

D. Documents to be Submitted

E. Benchmarking Resources

A. Management Company/Owner of Properties in HCR Portfolio

  1. Select and hire a qualified benchmarking service provider, or renew an existing contract with a qualified benchmarking service provider.
  2. Collect basic property information and complete the Property Intake Survey by May 1st so that HCR has a better understanding of the systems within your property.
  3. Work with a benchmarking service provider to ensure access to utility accounts for both owner and resident-paid accounts.
  4. Ensure energy usage data is submitted through EPA Energy Star Portfolio Manager to HCR by May 1st of each year.
  5. Failure to submit either the Property Intake Survey and/or usage data in the EPA Energy Star Portfolio Manager system or failure to submit whole building (owner and resident-paid) usage data will be considered non-compliance with HCR's benchmarking program.

B. HCR Staff and HCR Benchmarking Consultant

  1. Work with the owner/manager/housing companies to answer questions and ensure that the Property Intake Form is properly completed by the May 1st deadline.
  2. Document compliance with HCR.

C. Benchmarking Service Providers retained by Management Company

A benchmarking service provider should:

  1. Create a Portfolio Manager account for the property and populate the account with the necessary physical characteristics (number of units, building size, etc.); create utility accounts; and populate with monthly energy usage data and associated energy costs from previous full calendar year.  
  2. This usage data should include, but not be limited to: all electric, fuel (oil, gas) or steam usage and water usage for all owner and resident-paid utilities and the respective costs for each utility.  

    Downstate properties that are required to submit Local Law 84 information to NYC will follow the LL84 protocols and submit the same information to HCR. 

  3. Perform quality assurance checks on the data to ensure all necessary energy and water data is included in the Portfolio Manager account.
  4. Ensure that the HCR Identification Number is entered into the proper data field. The HCR Identification Number can be found on the Covered Buildings List.
  5. On an annual basis prior to May 1st of each year, share the data with HCR through the provided reporting link.

D. Documents to be Submitted

2024 Covered Building List - PDF

2024 Covered Building List - Excel

Property Intake Form - 2024 (due May 1, 2024) 

Waiver Request Form - 2024 (due April 1, 2024)

2023 Benchmarking Data Submission Link - ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager (due May 1, 2024)

E. Benchmarking Resources: