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Little Falls adopts Building Energy Benchmarking policy to track municipal energy use
Summary
The Town Board unanimously adopted a Building Energy Benchmarking policy requiring annual energy reporting for municipal buildings 1,000 sq ft or larger, public posting of energy metrics and an annual compliance report to the board; MVEDD offered assistance and a $5,000 grant was discussed.
The Little Falls Town Board adopted a Building Energy Benchmarking policy on Nov. 12, 2024, directing town staff to enter municipal building energy data into EPA ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and publish annual summary statistics online.
Heather Devitt, deputy director of the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, told the board the benchmarking process can unlock a roughly $5,000 grant and offered MVEDD’s assistance. “It’s just a tiny hoop to jump through to get $5,000 in grant money,” Devitt said, and she recommended beginning work early next year by forming a steering committee and planning outreach such as surveys.
The policy (Resolution #91) applies to town-owned or -occupied buildings of 1,000 square feet or larger and defines required metrics including Energy Use Intensity (EUI), Energy Performance Score and weather-normalized site EUI. It requires the town’s designated Department Commissioner or designee to enter the previous calendar year’s energy data into Portfolio Manager no later than Sept. 1 each year, and to publish per-building summary statistics and comparative year-to-year data on the internet. The policy also requires records retention for three years and an annual compliance report from the Chief Enforcement Officer to the Town Board.
Supervisor Daniel Casler indicated the board wishes to proceed and asked MVEDD whether it would assist with the comprehensive planning steps. Ms. Devitt said MVEDD can help and will email the clerk the benchmarking resolution and next steps.
The policy takes effect immediately upon passage. The board adopted the policy by roll call vote under Resolution #91 (Ayes: Casler, Viscomi, Schwasnick, Sullivan, Soules).
