2026 is a significant year for building energy benchmarking across North America. Several cities have new or expanded requirements taking effect, and the penalties for missing deadlines are getting steeper. Here is what building owners need to know.
Washington, D.C. (May 1, 2026)
This year marks the first time buildings between 10,000 and 25,000 sq ft are required to report. If you own a boutique office or condo building in this range, you are now regulated.
For larger buildings over 50,000 sq ft, DC continues to enforce Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS). These go beyond reporting into mandatory performance targets, with a $10/sq ft penalty for non-compliance.
DC also enforces a $100/day fine for late or missing benchmarking submissions.
Learn more about DC benchmarking requirements
Chicago, IL (June 1, 2026)
Chicago’s Energy Benchmarking Ordinance requires an accredited professional to verify your data every three years. If your building is on its verification year, plan ahead since the verification adds time to the process.
Non-compliant buildings receive a “0-star” rating on the public Chicago Energy Map, which is visible to tenants, prospective buyers, and the market.
Learn more about Chicago benchmarking requirements
Denver, CO (June 1, 2026)
2026 is a critical verification milestone for Denver. All buildings 25,000 sq ft and above must submit a third-party data verification by June 1. This verification sets your performance targets through 2030.
Performance penalties are $0.30 per kBtu for missing EUI targets. Additionally, buildings between 5,000 and 10,000 sq ft face a prescriptive lighting and renewable energy deadline on December 31, 2026.
Learn more about Energize Denver requirements
Vancouver, BC (June 1, 2026)
2026 is the first mandatory reporting year for multi-family residential buildings 50,000 sq ft and above. If you manage a residential property in this tier, this is new for you.
Vancouver has also moved beyond reporting to GHG Intensity (GHGi) limits. Exceeding these limits triggers annual carbon penalties.
Learn more about Vancouver benchmarking requirements
Toronto, ON (July 1 and 2, 2026)
Toronto has a unique “double submission” requirement. The provincial EWRB filing is due July 1, and the City of Toronto’s EGPS filing is due July 2. Missing either one means non-compliance.
Multi-unit residential buildings face additional complexity in aggregating whole-building utility data across multiple tenant meters.
Learn more about Toronto benchmarking requirements
Don’t wait until the deadline
Starting the benchmarking process early gives you time to collect accurate data, resolve any utility data gaps, and ensure your filing is correct. Buildings that wait until the last week often face data quality issues that can lead to inaccurate filings or missed deadlines.
Alert Energy has been helping building owners meet benchmarking deadlines since 2014. Book a free consultation to discuss your building’s requirements.