Understanding Ordinance 22-17: Honolulu's Better Buildings Benchmarking Program
In an effort to enhance energy efficiency and promote sustainability, the City and County of Honolulu enacted Ordinance 22-17, establishing the Better Buildings Benchmarking Program. This initiative mandates that large commercial and multi-family buildings on Oʻahu measure and report their energy and water usage annually.
What is Ordinance 22-17?
Signed into law on July 20, 2022, Ordinance 22-17 requires owners of covered properties to benchmark their buildings' energy and water consumption using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager. The goal is to provide building owners and occupants with a clear understanding of their properties' performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and contribute to the city's objective of carbon neutrality by 2045.
Who Needs to Comply?
The ordinance applies to commercial and multi-family buildings exceeding 25,000 square feet in gross floor area. Compliance is phased as follows:
Buildings ≥100,000 square feet: Reporting began in 2023.
Buildings ≥50,000 square feet: Reporting starts by September 30, 2024.
Buildings ≥25,000 square feet: Reporting begins by June 30, 2025.
Exemptions include single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, industrial properties classified under SIC codes 20 through 39, and certain government buildings.
Benefits of Benchmarking
Benchmarking offers several advantages:
Cost Savings: Identifying inefficiencies can lead to reduced utility expenses.
Market Competitiveness: Demonstrating energy efficiency can enhance property value and attract tenants.
Environmental Impact: Reducing energy and water consumption contributes to sustainability goals and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
Understanding and complying with Ordinance 22-17 is crucial for building owners aiming to improve performance and adhere to local regulations. For personalized assistance, Hong Consulting, LLC offers expertise in sustainability reporting and compliance strategies. Contact us at adrianhong@hongconsultingllc.com for more information.
