Metric Definition
Energy Performance of Community Buildings measures the energy (natural gas and electricity, converted to a common unit) use of community buildings per square foot. This metric is calculated by dividing the community’s annual energy use by the total building square footage. The lower the number, the better the energy performance of buildings. The advantage of tracking building energy use per square foot is that it shows changes in efficiency, behavior change of building occupants, and other influencing factors. The data for this metric comes from Fort Collins Utilities.
Why Is This Important?
In 2017 electric use represented 51% and natural gas represented 21% of our community’s greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing our energy use and increasing building efficiency also reduces utility costs and mitigates increased utility rates.
City Organization Impact on Performance
Medium – The City has several programs and initiatives that seek to increase energy performance of community buildings. The actions of residents and businesses are key to lowering the energy use of buildings and lowering emissions.
Benchmark Information
Benchmarking is possible in comparison to the Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) administered by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. In 10 out of the 19 ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager categories, Fort Collins’ electricity use per square foot is lower than the U.S. West average. Fort Collins is evaluating an initiative that would improve benchmarking efforts for commercial buildings.