If you manage or own a building in New York City, you already know that staying on top of energy regulations is critical. But benchmarking isn’t just about submitting reports — it's a powerful tool that can unlock savings, increase your building's value, and future-proof your investment.

Today, we’ll walk through why benchmarking NYC buildings matters, how you can leverage it to your advantage, and why acting now puts you ahead of the curve.

What Is Benchmarking and How It Impacts NYC Building Owners

Benchmarking means measuring and tracking your building’s energy and water use. In New York City, this is required under the nyc benchmarking law (Local Law 84).
Every year, buildings over 25,000 square feet must submit energy data to the city to compare their performance with similar properties.

This is more than a paperwork exercise — it’s your building's energy report card. The insights you gain can highlight inefficiencies and show clear opportunities for improvement, saving thousands over time.
For deadlines and compliance steps, you can check the detailed guide on energy benchmarking deadlines here.

Real Benefits of Benchmarking NYC Buildings

Let’s go beyond basic compliance and explore the real-world advantages that proactive benchmarking brings.

1. Reduce Energy and Operating Costs

The most immediate benefit? Lower bills.
Through benchmarking, building owners discover areas where energy is wasted — whether it’s outdated lighting, HVAC inefficiencies, or insulation gaps.
With that knowledge, simple upgrades like LED installations or smart thermostats can dramatically cut costs. Some NYC buildings have reported 10-30% savings after acting on benchmarking insights.

2. Boost Building Value and Attract Tenants

Today’s renters and corporate tenants are more eco-conscious than ever.
Buildings that score better in energy efficiency are not just good for the planet — they’re also easier to market.
High-performing properties often attract better tenants, command premium rents, and sell faster.
Similarly, cities like Los Angeles are seeing the same trend with los angeles energy benchmarking ordinances driving building improvements.

3. Stay Ahead of Future Regulations

Energy benchmarking is just the start. New York's Local Law 97 will soon introduce stricter carbon limits, impacting many properties beginning in 2025.

By taking benchmarking seriously now, you're setting yourself up to meet future regulations with less stress and cost.

Think of it as proactive risk management.

In Los Angeles, the ebewe benchmarking program (Existing Buildings Energy and Water Efficiency) also shows how cities nationwide are demanding greener operations. NYC is leading — but it's not alone.

How to Use Benchmarking Data to Your Advantage

Collecting energy data isn’t enough. What you do with it matters.

Here’s a simple three-step plan for maximizing the value of your building's benchmarking report:

Step 1: Analyze the Data

Look at patterns. Are there peaks during certain hours? Is your building using more energy per square foot than similar buildings? Spotting these trends helps you understand where to focus.

Step 2: Prioritize Projects for Quick Wins

Start with easy, high-impact fixes:

• Upgrading lighting to LEDs
• Sealing drafts and improving insulation
• Tuning up HVAC systems

These small changes can lead to immediate savings — often paying for themselves in just a few months.

Step 3: Set Long-Term Efficiency Goals

Larger upgrades like smart building controls, green roofs, or renewable energy installations can dramatically boost efficiency over time.Re-benchmarking after improvements also shows progress — giving you powerful data to share with tenants and investors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in NYC Benchmarking

Benchmarking can be straightforward, but common pitfalls trip up many building owners:

• Incomplete or inaccurate data submission: This can trigger penalties.
• Missing annual deadlines: Fines are enforced if you don’t report on time.
• Ignoring the results: Data is only valuable if you act on it.

The best way to maximize the benefits of benchmarking is to stay organized, verify your data carefully, and actively use your reports to guide improvements. Whether you manage compliance in-house or work with trusted advisors, a strategic approach ensures you get the full value from your building’s energy performance data..

Benchmarking Beyond NYC: A National Movement

While New York City’s regulations are among the most ambitious, energy benchmarking isn’t just a local trend.
Programs like los angeles energy benchmarking and ebewe benchmarking show that major cities across the U.S. are pushing for more transparency and sustainability in building operations.

By investing in smart energy management now, NYC building owners are aligning with a broader movement that will only grow stronger in the coming years.

Final Thoughts: Benchmarking Is Your Building's Best Investment Right Now

Benchmarking NYC buildings isn’t just another compliance headache — it’s a gateway to bigger savings, smarter operations, and a stronger future.
When done right, benchmarking empowers building owners to:

• Cut utility costs
• Meet tightening sustainability laws
• Attract quality tenants
• Protect property value for years to come

If you're ready to go beyond the basics and turn benchmarking into a competitive advantage, now is the perfect time to act.

Our team at Vert Energy Group is here to help you stay compliant — and more importantly, unlock the full potential of your building's performance.