Montgomery (AL)

Mandates building proprietors to:

• Monitor energy consumption of structures spanning 25,000 gross square feet or more within the county using the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.
• Undergo data verification by a Recognized Data Verifier in the inaugural year and subsequently every three years.
• Annually report data to the County for public dissemination.
• Adhere to long-term site energy use intensity performance standards.

Legislative Amendments

In 2022, Bill 16-21, Building Energy Benchmarking and Performance Standards, brought significant changes to the benchmarking law. These revisions included reducing the benchmarking square footage threshold to 25,000 gross square feet and extending compliance requirements to multifamily dwellings, warehouses, and self-storage facilities previously exempted. Group 3 commercial structures spanning 25k – 50k GSF, alongside previously excluded commercial buildings of all sizes, and Group 4 multifamily properties exceeding 250k GSF, must commence reporting calendar year 2022 data by June 1, 2023.

Applicability

The latest amendment broadens the scope of the law to encompass buildings exceeding 25,000 gross square feet, as well as multifamily residences and previously exempted building types like warehouses and self-storage facilities. Group 3 commercial buildings ranging from 25k to 50k GSF, inclusive of previously exempted commercial structures of all sizes, and Group 4 multifamily properties exceeding 250k GSF are obliged to commence reporting calendar year 2022 data by June 1, 2023. Adherence to the City’s compliance deadlines for energy consumption tracking and reporting is mandatory.

Reporting Procedures

Building owners must submit their energy consumption data via EPA’s Portfolio Manager.

Penalties

The Benchmarking Law is enforceable under Method 2 regulations, entailing fines for noncompliance, with violations categorized as Class A offenses. DEP will issue Notice of Violation to any building owner failing to comply with the statutory requirements.