Congress Approves $33 Million for ENERGY STAR
Congress has approved $33 million in funding for ENERGY STAR, securing the future of a tool that is foundational to energy management and compliance across commercial real estate.
This bipartisan action matters because ENERGY STAR underpins how buildings measure performance, control operating costs, and meet a growing list of local sustainability requirements—including here in Los Angeles.
What You Need to Know
ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager is widely used across the commercial real estate industry to benchmark energy and water use, track emissions, and support sustainability planning.
BOMA International played a direct role in securing this funding through federal advocacy, coalition engagement, and member outreach—resulting in nearly 900 letters to Congress in support of the program.
More than 330,000 buildings nationwide—nearly 25% of U.S. commercial floor space—use ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.
In 2024 alone, ENERGY STAR helped buildings avoid $14 billion in energy costs nationwide.
How It Impacts You
For commercial property owners, managers, and service providers in Greater Los Angeles, continued ENERGY STAR funding provides critical certainty:
Supports compliance: Many local and state policies—including benchmarking, disclosure, and Building Performance Standards—rely on ENERGY STAR data. Continued funding helps avoid regulatory disruption and fragmented reporting requirements.
Protects a trusted tool: Portfolio Manager remains the nationally recognized standard for measuring building energy performance, emissions, and water use.
Helps manage operating costs: ENERGY STAR enables building teams to identify inefficiencies, prioritize upgrades, and reduce utility expenses—supporting both NOI and tenant affordability.
Strengthens asset competitiveness: ENERGY STAR certification continues to serve as a market signal for quality, efficiency, and lower utility costs for tenants, investors, and lenders.
Reinforces long-term planning: Stable federal support allows owners and managers to plan capital improvements and sustainability strategies with confidence.
This funding win underscores the importance of sustained advocacy to protect programs that directly support building operations, regulatory compliance, and energy efficiency.
