Michigan has two cities (Ann Arbor and Detroit) with local benchmarking ordinances. Click here to see how Michigan handles energy efficiency in state and publicly owned buildings.
Ann Arbor, MI
The city of Ann Arbor passed the Energy and Water Benchmarking Ordinance for public, commercial and high-rise residential buildings. This ordinance represents Ann Arbor's commitment to sustainability and aims to reduce energy consumption and promote efficient resource use.
Title: Ann Arbor Energy and Water Benchmarking Ordinance
Date Passed: October 18, 2021
Policy Language: Ann Arbor Energy and Water Benchmarking Ordinance
Assistance: benchmarking@a2gov.org
Summary: Ann Arbor's Energy and Water Benchmarking Ordinance mandates the annual energy and water consumption of buildings over 20,000 square feet be reported to the city. The due dates for the initial benchmarking reports are outlined in the table below, and subsequent reports are due by June 1st of each year thereafter. The ordinance aims to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability in public, commercial and multifamily buildings.
Compliance Deadline | Type of Building | Building Size Threshold |
December 31, 2021 | Public | 10,000 square feet and larger |
June 1, 2022 | Commercial, Industrial, Multifamily | 100,000 square feet and larger |
June 1, 2023 | Commercial, Industrial, Multifamily | 50,000 square feet and larger |
June 1, 2024 | Commercial, Industrial, Multifamily | 20,000 square feet and larger |
Detroit, MI
Detroit's Energy Benchmarking Ordinance represents a significant step towards enhancing the City's sustainability efforts. Passed with the aim of improving energy efficiency and promoting environmental stewardship, this ordinance applies to municipal, commercial, and multifamily buildings across the city.
Title: Detroit Energy Benchmarking Ordinance
Date Passed: November 21, 2023
Policy Language: Detroit Energy Benchmarking Ordinance
Assistance: Send questions via the Benchmarking Help Desk
Reach out to: Benchmarking@detroitmi.gov
Virtual Office hours: Book here
Summary: Detroit's Energy Benchmarking Ordinance applies to the covered properties listed in the table below. The due dates for the initial benchmarking reports are also outlined in the table, and subsequent reports are due by June 1st of each year thereafter. The ordinance aims to improve energy efficiency and sustainability across the city.
Compliance Deadline | Type of Building | Building Size Threshold |
October 1, 2024 | Public | 10,000 square feet and larger |
October 1, 2024 | Commercial and Multifamily | 100,000 square feet and larger |
June 1, 2025 | Commercial and Multifamily | 25,000 square feet and larger |
Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids currently benchmarks its municipal buildings’ energy use as a part of the National Building Performance Standard (BPS) Coalition, a collaborative effort launched by the White House Council on Environmental Quality. This participation aligns directly with the City's Building Policies and Programs for Equitable, Healthy & Zero Carbon Building Initiative (E.H.Zero). On August 27, 2019, the City’s Office of Sustainability presented a concise overview of the city’s energy performance to the City Commission, along with a memorandum that summarizes the City's work.
Additionally, the city participates in a voluntary benchmarking program through the Grand Rapids 2030 District (GR2030), through which energy use data can be automatically uploaded into participants’ Energy Star Portfolio Manager accounts, with the help of utilities DTE and Consumers Energy. This process allows building owners and operators to easily track and assess their properties’ energy consumption and can help them identify opportunities to increase profitability by lowering energy and operating costs. Between the years 2022 and 2023, GR2030 saw an 11.31% increase in buildings participating in the district. To date, 305 buildings, making up 20.5 million square feet, are participating in GR2030, and nearly 80 individual building owners have committed to the 2030 Mission.
To learn more or sign up, email the program manager, Kayla, at kayla@usgbcwm.org.