How Cutting Energy Star’s Portfolio Manager Could Risk CRE Compliance and Increase Costs
CRE industry experts warn that cutting or privatizing Energy Star’s Portfolio Manager tool could make it harder to meet energy rules and raise costs for building owners.
What You Need to Know
Energy Star, known for its energy ratings on buildings, may lose funding or be privatized under new federal budget plans.
This includes Energy Star’s Portfolio Manager, which helps building owners track and compare energy use.
The free tool helps over 330,000 buildings across the country measure energy use and meet local rules.
The 2026 budget plan doesn’t name Energy Star, but it targets the EPA office that runs it.
Some private companies want to take over Energy Star, but real estate groups warn that cutting or privatizing it could make meeting energy rules harder, increase costs, and slow down efforts to lower building emissions.
How It Impacts You
For property managers and other CRE professionals, Portfolio Manager is more than a tracking tool—it’s a key part of daily operations.
California requires many buildings to report energy use, and Portfolio Manager is the main tool used to follow those rules.
If the tool is cut or privatized, it could lead to:
Higher costs: Any tool could start charging fees.
Confusion with rules: If everyone uses different tools, it could be harder to follow energy laws and keep things consistent.
Loss of consistency: Without one trusted tool, it’s harder to compare buildings and track progress.
As cities set stricter energy rules, having one trusted tool like Portfolio Manager helps building owners track and report energy use more easily.
Industry groups are urging Congress and the EPA to keep the tool so energy rules stay clear and investments in efficiency can continue.
Stay Connected
BOMA/GLA will keep watching this issue and fight for tools and rules that help our members run efficient, compliant buildings.
Follow BOMA on the Frontline for more updates.
