Update Property Use Details for Energy Benchmarking

Property use details should be reviewed and updated each year in order to ensure ENERGY STAR scores and other benchmarking metrics are accurately calculated.

As COVID-19 changed the way many buildings are operated, it is even more important to make updates to property use details.

Updating Property Use Details

All buildings should update the following use details to reflect changes in operations due to COVID-19:

1. Weekly Operating Hours
2. Number of Workers on Main Shift

Only these specific use details should be updated to account for changes due to COVID-19 – all other inputs, such as “Number of Computers” (for offices and other building types), “Number of Staffed Beds” (for hospitals), etc. should only be updated if the changes were NOT due to the impacts of COVID-19.

Other property types may have additional fields to update, for example K-12 Schools should review “Weekend Operation” inputs.

How to Update in Portfolio Manager

Property use details can be updated on the “Details” tab in Portfolio Manager. To enter new information, select “Update with New Information” from the Property Uses and Use Details Action menu:

Enter the date that changes went into place and modify weekly operating hours, number of workers on main shift, and any other use details that changed:

Click “Save Update” to continue.

Property use details can be updated in this manner whenever building usage changes or operations return to normal.

Gathering Data

The following approaches may be useful in determining the Number of Workers during periods impacted by COVID-19 (based on feedback from ENERGY STAR partners):

• Use data from FOBs or other electronic means of gaining entry to buildings.
• Speak with tenant representatives to gather data for their space.
• Obtain data from security guards who may have signed individuals into and out of the building.
• Review recordings from video cameras.

For questions or assistance on making changes to your property or submitting energy benchmarking reports, please contact our Benchmarking Helpdesk at energy@montgomerycountymd.gov.