Energy benchmarking answers a simple but powerful question: how does my building compare?
Mandatory in many jurisdictions: Ontario's EWRB program, the US EPA ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager benchmarking mandate, and BC's proposed building performance standards all require regular benchmarking. Even where not yet mandatory, investors and tenants increasingly expect it.
Key Metrics
Energy Use Intensity (EUI): Total energy consumption divided by floor area. The universal metric for building comparison. In Canada, typically expressed in ekWh/m²/year.
ENERGY STAR Score: A 1-100 percentile ranking against similar buildings. A score of 75 means you're better than 75% of comparable buildings.
Carbon Use Intensity (CUI): Emissions per unit of floor area. Becoming increasingly important as carbon targets replace energy targets.
Benchmarking Methods
- Peer comparison — compare against buildings of similar type, size, and climate zone
- Historical comparison — compare against your own building's past performance
- Target comparison — compare against a specific EUI or emissions target
Normalization is non-negotiable: Never compare buildings in Edmonton and Vancouver without normalizing for climate. Edmonton has roughly 5,000 heating degree days vs. Vancouver's 3,000 — an unadjusted EUI comparison will systematically disadvantage colder-climate buildings.
Using EdiMono for Benchmarking
EdiMono provides all three comparison methods: - Portfolio-wide ranking by EUI, with weather normalization - Year-over-year performance trends per building - Custom target tracking with progress indicators
Common Benchmarking Mistakes
- Comparing buildings without normalizing for weather
- Using gross floor area for one building and net for another
- Ignoring process loads (data centers, commercial kitchens)
- Not accounting for occupancy differences
Key Takeaway
Use consistent floor area definitions across your entire portfolio. A building reported in gross floor area will appear 10-15% more efficient than the same building reported in net leasable area. Pick one definition and stick to it in every report.
Key Takeaway
Benchmarking tells you where to focus. Start with the worst performers — that's where the biggest opportunities are hiding.