Council to Vote to Refer Building Energy Use Benchmarking Ordinance to Energy & Sustainability Committee for Review & Recommendation

PORTLAND, Maine -- The City Council is scheduled to vote at its Wednesday, July 6 meeting on an item to refer the proposed Building Energy Use Benchmarking Ordinance to the Energy & Sustainability Committee so it can review and provide a final recommendation on the issue to the full Council. The proposal is for an ordinance that would require utility benchmarking to the City for public and large privately owned buildings that consist of more than 20,000 square feet or more than 50 residential units.

“I think it’s important for the Committee to review this proposal as it would assist the city in our efforts to reduce energy use and increase our environmental sustainability,” said Councilor Jon Hinck, Chair of the Energy & Sustainability Committee. “Tracking this kind of information encourages property owners to increase their efficiency, which saves them money in the long run and contributes to a more sustainable Portland.”

The draft ordinance language can be found with the Council’s agenda material here (http://me-portland.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/3841?fileID=16035) on Tab 22. The next Energy & Sustainability Committee meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers.