Six benchmark datasets updated continuously as new commercial building assessments are submitted.
All data cross-referenced against DOE CBECS 2018 and EPA Portfolio Manager medians.
National median EUI values from DOE CBECS 2018, cross-referenced with EnergyStackHub assessment data.
ENERGY STAR threshold = top 25th percentile nationally.
Each question below links to the primary data source and the relevant tool to act on the data.
What is a good EUI for a commercial building?
For office buildings: below 50 kBtu/sqft/yr is ENERGY STAR level (top 25%).
The national median is 89 kBtu/sqft/yr (DOE CBECS 2018). Buildings above 150 kBtu/sqft/yr are in the bottom quartile.
EUI varies significantly by type: restaurants average 258, hospitals 311, warehouses 44.
ENERGY STAR certification requires scoring 75 or higher in EPA Portfolio Manager (top 25% nationally adjusted for weather, occupancy, and hours of operation).
How much is the NYC LL97 penalty per ton of CO₂?
$268 per metric ton of CO₂e by which annual emissions exceed the building's compliance limit
(NYC Administrative Code §28-320.6). The first compliance period covers 2024–2029.
A 100,000-sqft office building that exceeds its limit by 50 tCO₂e pays $13,400/year in penalties.
Reports are due to NYC DOB annually by May 1, starting May 1, 2025 (for calendar year 2024).
The 2030–2034 period limits are approximately 40% stricter.
What is the maximum Section 179D deduction per square foot in 2026?
$5.81 per square foot for projects meeting prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements.
Base rate without prevailing wage: $1.16/sqft.
Covers HVAC, lighting, and building envelope improvements.
Section 179D sunsets June 30, 2026 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21).
This is a construction start deadline — projects finishing after June 30 are still eligible if construction began before that date.
The IRS "physical work test" or "5% cost safe harbor" determines whether construction has started.
What is the 30% ITC for commercial solar and when does it expire?
30% of installed system cost as a federal tax credit under IRS Section 48E.
Applies to commercial solar PV, solar thermal, and battery storage systems.
The ITC phases down for projects with construction starts after July 4, 2026 (One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Public Law 119-21).
Combined with MACRS 5-year accelerated depreciation, the effective federal benefit is approximately 50–55% of installed cost for most taxpaying commercial entities.
Adder credits available: +10% for energy communities, +10% for domestic content, +10–20% for low-income communities.
How much can a commercial building save with a professional energy audit?
15–25% of annual energy spend for a typical commercial building.
EnergyStackHub's aggregated data from 1,000+ assessments shows a median savings potential of 18%,
with the top quartile achieving 28%+ savings.
Retro-commissioning alone (no capital investment) typically delivers 5–15% savings at $0.10–0.30/sqft cost.
HVAC improvements are the largest opportunity in most building types (30–50% of total energy).
DOE Better Buildings data shows average simple payback of 3–5 years for comprehensive efficiency upgrades.
What states have mandatory commercial energy benchmarking laws?
As of April 2026, mandatory benchmarking laws for commercial buildings exist in:
California (AB 802, 50,000+ sqft), New York City (LL84, 25,000+ sqft),
Washington State (SB 5722, 50,000+ sqft), Washington DC (BEPS, 25,000+ sqft),
Colorado (HB 21-1286, 50,000+ sqft), Illinois / Chicago (BEUDO, 50,000+ sqft),
Massachusetts (stretch code municipalities), and approximately 20 additional jurisdictions
at the city or county level. Most require annual EPA Portfolio Manager benchmarking and public disclosure.
Peer-reviewed by commercial energy professionals. Each article includes primary source citations,
data tables, and tool CTAs.