Evanston City Council updates energy benchmarking ordinance for large buildings

The Evanston City Council held a meeting on May 28, 2025, to discuss the city's energy and water benchmarking policy, which was originally approved in 2016. The ordinance mandates that large buildings in Evanston track and report their annual energy and water consumption to the city by June 30 each year. This initiative is crucial as buildings account for approximately 80% of the city's emissions, making energy reduction in this sector vital for achieving the goals set forth in Evanston's climate action and resilience plan.

During the meeting, officials highlighted recent adjustments to the benchmarking requirements following the adoption of the Housing Benchmarking Ordinance (HBO) in March 2025. Notably, some new buildings will now be exempt from the benchmarking requirements. The ordinance applies to buildings with gross floor areas exceeding 20,000 square feet and condominiums over 50,000 square feet. Last year's reporting season saw a 72% submission rate, and the city aims to improve compliance this year.

Exemptions from the ordinance include smaller condominium buildings under 50,000 square feet, co-ops, and buildings facing financial distress, such as those on the tax lien list or in mortgage default. New constructions that have not been fully occupied for at least 12 months before the compliance deadline are also exempt. Additionally, properties with demolition permits, federal buildings, and certain individually owned and submetered units may qualify for exemptions based on specific circumstances.

For further inquiries regarding exemptions, residents are encouraged to contact the city via the provided email address. The meeting underscored the city's commitment to reducing emissions and promoting sustainability through effective benchmarking practices.