Salt Lake City continues to advance its Elevate Buildings initiative, a program launched in 2016 designed to increase municipal energy efficiency, bolster local economic development, and improve air quality by reducing energy waste across the city's building landscape.
Foundations of the Initiative
The Elevate Buildings program was developed following an intensive 18-month engagement process. During that period, the Salt Lake City Department of Sustainability gathered critical feedback from a wide array of stakeholders, including local utilities, industry experts, the commercial real estate community, and members of the public.
The conclusions reached during that evaluation shaped the current Energy Benchmarking & Transparency program. This framework also led to the implementation of automated energy data services provided by Enbridge Gas and Rocky Mountain Power, which are intended to streamline the tracking of building performance.
Benchmarking and Data Tools
To support the program's goals, Salt Lake City provides various resources for building owners and managers to track their energy performance. The city maintains a dedicated portal where users can find their unique Salt Lake City Building ID number and update essential contact information.
For those utilizing the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager software, the city offers several support materials, including quick start guides, campus benchmarking instructions, and property type lists. Additionally, the city provides instructional YouTube videos that demonstrate specific tasks such as setting up properties, managing energy, water, and waste meters, and responding to data requests within the software.
Efficiency and Training Incentives
Building owners have access to various financial and operational resources to improve their ENERGY STAR scores. The city highlights electrical utility incentives offered by Rocky Mountain Power, as well as natural gas utility incentives through Dominion Energy ThermWise for the GS Rate schedule.
Beyond capital investments, Salt Lake City emphasizes that many efficiency improvements are matters of routine operation. The city recommends investing in building operator and facility manager training to improve efficiency without requiring major capital upgrades. Recommended professional courses include the IFMA Sustainability Facility Professional, LEED AP Operations & Maintenance, and the ASHRAE Building Commission Professional Certification.
Resources for Property Managers
For those managing multiple properties, the city points to programs designed to help commercial property managers bundle projects to capture greater incentive savings. This includes Rocky Mountain Power’s CRE Connect program, which is designed to simplify access to technical expertise and cash incentives to improve both energy efficiency and net operating income.
Property managers also have access to various incentive types for both custom projects and prescriptive purchases under the GS Rate schedule for gas utilities.
Tenant and Lease Sustainability
The initiative also provides specific guidance for tenants and landlords regarding lease structures and energy costs. For tenants who pay their own utility bills, the city suggests working directly with landlords and utilities to implement upgrades, specifically suggesting the consideration of green leases.
Tenants who do not pay their own utility bills are encouraged to sign up for the E2 Business program. This program aims to help businesses adopt sustainable practices that contribute to the reduction of community carbon emissions and improved local air quality.
Long-term Sustainability Support
As part of long-term sustainability planning, the city recommends that building owners planning to sell their properties request appraisers with Green Building education credits. Furthermore, for those seeking professional development in sustainable business practices, the city points toward various certifications available through BOMA International.
For assistance with benchmarking or questions regarding the program, Salt Lake City Sustainability staff can be reached via email at benchmarking@slc.gov or by telephone at 801-535-6477.
