Mayor Brandon Johnson Announces Release Of 2022-2023 Chicago Energy Benchmarking Report
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CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Environment (DOE) have released the 2022-2023 Chicago Energy Benchmarking Report, showcasing a significant reduction in carbon emissions per square foot in properties over 50,000 square feet since 2016.

The report, which was released today, highlights the success of the Chicago Energy Benchmarking Ordinance that was passed in 2013. This ordinance has been instrumental in helping building owners track and gain insights into their energy use, allowing them to identify and implement energy-saving measures. In addition, the City rolled out the Chicago Energy Rating System in 2019, making it the first city in the nation to require large buildings to publicly display their energy performance and rating.

Mayor Johnson expressed his commitment to reducing emissions and praised the efforts of building owners in achieving this goal. "Focusing on the reduction of building emissions will not only make a significant dent in Chicago's overall emissions, but also serve as an example to other cities as we work collectively to address the climate crises facing our world," he said.

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According to Angela Tovar, Chicago's Chief Sustainability Officer and DOE Commissioner, buildings currently account for 70% of the city's total greenhouse gas emissions. With this in mind, Chicago is taking a multipronged approach to decarbonizing buildings of all sizes.

The report revealed some key findings, including a 39% decrease in carbon emissions since 2016 for buildings over 50,000 square feet. The healthcare, retail, and office sectors saw the largest decreases in median greenhouse gas intensity. However, while compliance rates remain high at 82%, there has been a slight drop from previous years.

Energy Use Intensity (EUI), which measures energy use per square foot of building space per year, has also decreased overall since 2016. However, there were some small increases in certain sectors during 2022 and 2023, reflecting a return to pre-pandemic norms.

The 2022-2023 report also reflects the challenges faced by building owners during the pandemic. Due to disruptions caused by the pandemic, reporting energy use was more difficult, resulting in a lag in publication dates for benchmarking reports. To address this, the 2022-2023 report combines two years of data into one, bringing the publication schedule back on track.

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Despite these challenges, the report highlights the progress made by Chicago and identifies areas for improvement. The reconstituted Department of Environment plans to continue promoting energy efficiency citywide through programs like Green Homes Chicago, which helps homeowners transition to electric energy.

More information about the Chicago Energy Benchmarking Ordinance and the 2022-2023 Report can be found on the City's energy benchmarking page at cityofchicago.org/energybenchmarking. With these efforts and initiatives in place, Chicago is well-equipped to continue its journey towards a more sustainable future.

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