Energy Benchmarking and Transparency Laws: Do They Work?

In 2008, it was a new and brilliant idea. Since building owners weren’t voluntarily making large-scale progress against climate change, jurisdictions would require them to find out how well their buildings performed, and then disclose that performance level to the public. These “benchmarking and transparency” laws first took hold in Washington, D.C. and soon after in New York City. As of May 2020, more than 35 jurisdictions have adopted one in some form. But do they work?

The answer is yes. It’s also … maybe not well enough.