ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager

ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
Name	ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
Developer	United States Environmental Protection Agency
Released	1999
Genre	Energy management software
License	Freeware

ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. It is an online energy management and tracking tool developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under the broader ENERGY STAR program. The platform enables building owners, managers, and organizations to benchmark the energy efficiency of their properties, track water consumption, and measure greenhouse gas emissions. Widely adopted across North America, it serves as a foundational tool for sustainability reporting and compliance with various local ordinances and corporate goals.

Overview

Launched in 1999, the tool was created to support the objectives of the ENERGY STAR program, a joint initiative of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of Energy. Its primary purpose is to provide a standardized method for assessing the energy performance of commercial buildings, multifamily housing, and industrial plants. Over time, it has become integral to programs like the LEED certification system administered by the U.S. Green Building Council and is recognized by entities such as the International Energy Agency. The platform's methodology is often cited in research from institutions like the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Features and Functionality

The core feature is the calculation of a 1-100 ENERGY STAR score, which compares a property's performance to similar buildings nationwide using data from the Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey. Users can track metrics for electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, and district steam consumption. The tool includes functionalities for managing waste and materials, tracking refrigerant leaks, and assessing indoor air quality metrics. It allows for the creation of custom reports and the setting of reduction targets, supporting initiatives like the Architecture 2030 Challenge and the Global Reporting Initiative.

Data and Metrics

Portfolio Manager utilizes a robust dataset anchored by the Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey conducted by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Key performance indicators include site energy use intensity, source energy use intensity, and weather-normalized source energy. It calculates greenhouse gas emissions in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, referencing protocols from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The tool also tracks water use intensity and can incorporate data from utility smart meters, aligning with standards from ASHRAE and the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol.

Applications and Use Cases

A primary application is compliance with benchmarking and disclosure laws in cities like New York City (Local Law 84), San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.. It is used to earn the ENERGY STAR certification for buildings and to achieve points under LEED for Existing Buildings. Major corporations, including IBM, JPMorgan Chase, and Target Corporation, use it for corporate sustainability reporting. The tool is also employed by federal agencies to meet requirements of the Energy Independence and Security Act and by institutions participating in the Better Buildings Challenge.

Integration and Technical Specifications

The platform offers a web service API that allows for automated data exchange with third-party energy management software and building automation systems. This enables integration with platforms from companies like Johnson Controls, Siemens, and Schneider Electric. Data can be uploaded from utility billing systems or directly from advanced metering infrastructure. The technical framework supports the Building Energy Data Exchange Specification (BEDES) and aligns with the ISO 50001 standard for energy management systems.

Recognition and Awards

The widespread adoption of Portfolio Manager has been acknowledged by organizations such as the Urban Land Institute and the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. Its role in shaping market transformation was highlighted in reports from the National Institute of Building Sciences. The underlying methodology has received endorsements from the Illinois Institute of Technology and is frequently referenced in publications by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Its success contributed to the ENERGY STAR program receiving the Presidential Award for Leadership in Federal Energy Management.

Category:Energy conservation Category:Environmental protection in the United States Category:Energy in the United States