The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) is launching new training on energy benchmarking strategies and regulation for both private and public sector stakeholders.

Introduction to Energy Benchmarking, and Understanding Ontario’s Mandatory Energy Benchmarking for Large Buildings, are courses that will introduce the general processes for accurate data collection, show participants how to create a building profile and successfully use ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, and discuss Ontario’s upcoming Energy and Water Reporting and Benchmarking (EWRB) regulation.

The reporting of annual benchmarking results for large commercial buildings will soon become mandatory across Ontario. Several other jurisdictions, including Vancouver and Manitoba, are also considering similar legislation.

“By implementing these practices, building owners and managers have access to key data on the performance of their buildings, which enables them to make strategic investments in operational improvements, technology upgrades, and retrofits in an effort to conserve more energy, reduce emissions and realize financial savings,” says CaGBC President and CEO Thomas Mueller.

The courses were developed in consultation with the Illinois Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council and were modeled after the successful training they implemented in support of the City of Chicago’s Energy Benchmarking Ordinance.