Energy Benchmarking
Energy benchmarking is the practice of measuring building energy use against peers or past performance to identify inefficiencies and boost value.
September 30, 2025
What is Energy Benchmarking?
Energy benchmarking is the process of measuring a building’s energy performance against historical data or peer properties. It typically uses standardized tools and weather normalization to ensure comparability. Benchmarking highlights inefficiencies, tracks progress toward sustainability goals, and informs decisions about retrofits, certifications, and operating budgets.
Why Energy Benchmarking Matters in Real Estate
Energy benchmarking matters in real estate because it provides owners, managers, and investors with critical data about operating costs, environmental impacts, and regulatory compliance. Many jurisdictions require annual benchmarking disclosures. Strong performance can improve asset value, attract tenants, and qualify for incentive programs.
Example of Energy Benchmarking in Action
An office building completes energy benchmarking and discovers plug loads are significantly higher than peers. Management launches a tenant engagement program and lighting retrofit, cutting energy use by 18% year-over-year.
Key Takeaways
- Benchmarking identifies inefficiencies and informs retrofits.
- Mandatory in some cities for compliance.
- Supports sustainability certifications and goals.
- Improves marketability and asset value.
- Provides data to track ROI of upgrades.
Related Terms
- Sustainability
- Utility Cost
- Green Building Certification
- Retrofit
- Operating Costs


Canada residential unit sales by month, actual, 2019 and 2024-2026. Data through June 2026. Source:
Canada residential sales-to-new-listings ratio, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source:
Canada residential months of inventory, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source: Source:
Year-over-year change in residential average sale price for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2022 to June 2026. Average price is shown here as a regional mix measure, not a substitute for HPI or local comparable sales. Source:
Year-over-year change in residential unit sales for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2024 to June 2026. Source: 






15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)
Renderings of the tower proposed for 15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)

Goldberg Group 
10-storey apartment building currently occupying 525 Eglinton Avenue East/WND Associates
Rendering of 525 Eglinton Avenue East/Wallman Architects
The Mayfair West site and its surrounding context. (Grosvenor, Arcadis, Hariri Pontarini Architects)
Renderings of Mayfair West. (Grosvenor, Arcadis, Hariri Pontarini Architects)
