As Miami continues to address the impacts of climate change, the city has implemented a robust initiative to improve energy and water efficiency in large buildings through the Building Efficiency 305 (BE305) program. At Honeydew Energy Advisors, we are here to help you navigate this program and ensure compliance, saving you time and resources.
What is BE305?
The BE305 program is a comprehensive benchmarking policy designed to reduce energy and water consumption in large public and private buildings throughout Miami. The initiative aims to make Miami more resilient and sustainable by requiring annual energy and water use reporting for buildings over 20,000 square feet.
Key Requirements
- Annual Benchmarking: Building owners must annually report their building’s energy and water usage data using the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager tool. This applies to all commercial and multifamily buildings with more than 20,000 square feet.
- Reporting Deadlines:
- Buildings over 100,000 square feet: Compliance required by June 30 annually.
- Buildings between 50,000 and 99,999 square feet: Compliance required by October 1, 2024.
- Buildings between 20,000 and 49,999 square feet: Compliance required by October 1, 2025.
- Data Verification: All submitted data must be verified by a qualified third party to ensure accuracy and integrity.
Retuning Requirements
In addition to annual benchmarking, the BE305 program includes mandatory retuning requirements to ensure ongoing energy efficiency. Retuning involves maintaining, cleaning, and repairing the base building systems, such as HVAC, lighting, and water systems, to optimize their performance. This process is scheduled to occur every five years.
The retuning schedule is as follows:
- Buildings 200,000 square feet or larger: First report due by December 1, 2028, and every five years thereafter.
- Buildings between 100,000 and 199,999 square feet: First report due by December 1, 2029, and every five years thereafter.
- Buildings between 50,000 and 99,999 square feet: First report due by December 1, 2030, and every five years thereafter.
- Buildings between 20,000 and 49,999 square feet: Retuning is optional.
By adhering to these retuning requirements, building owners can ensure their systems are running efficiently, which not only saves energy but also reduces operational costs and enhances building performance.
Benefits of Participation
- Cost Savings: By identifying inefficiencies and implementing improvements, building owners can significantly reduce operating costs.
- Increased Property Value: Energy-efficient buildings tend to have higher market values and are more attractive to tenants.
- Environmental Impact: Reducing energy and water consumption helps lower greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to Miami’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
How Honeydew Energy Advisors Can Help
At Honeydew Energy Advisors, we specialize in energy benchmarking and compliance. Here’s how we can assist you:
- Data Collection and Reporting: We handle the entire data collection process, ensuring all necessary information is accurately gathered and reported.
- Third-Party Verification: Our team of certified professionals will verify your data, complying with BE305’s stringent requirements.
- Performance Analysis: We provide detailed analysis and actionable insights to help you improve your building’s energy and water efficiency.
- Ongoing Support: From initial compliance to continuous monitoring, we offer ongoing support to ensure your building remains compliant and optimized for energy performance.
Take Action Now
Don’t let the complexities of the BE305 policy overwhelm you. Contact Honeydew Energy Advisors today to take the hassle out of compliance. Together, we can make Miami more resilient and sustainable for future generations.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, reach out to us either by filling out the form below or emailing us at benchmarking@honeydewadvisors.com.