You do not need to solve every detail on your own before beginning. In many cases, clients start with only part of this information and gather the rest as the process moves forward.
Try to have the following available:
property address
approximate gross floor area
primary building use
year built, if known
number of buildings included, if more than one
owner or primary contact information
Benchmarking depends on accurate utility data, so it is helpful to gather:
electric utility provider
natural gas utility provider, if applicable
water utility provider, if applicable
utility account numbers
recent utility bills or account records, if available
If your building has multiple meters or multiple tenant accounts, that is helpful to know upfront as well.
For most benchmarking workflows, ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager is the main platform used to organize property information and track utility data. This is where the building profile is created and where key benchmarking information is managed.
If you do not already have an account, this is usually the first platform setup step.
If you already have an ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager account, keep the login information available so the property can be reviewed and shared correctly.
If you do not already have an account, that is okay. Evergreen can help guide you through the setup process.
If you received a benchmarking notice, city letter, compliance reminder, or reporting ID, keep that handy as well. These details can help confirm what requirements apply to your property and what reporting path needs to be followed.
Once the account is created, the next step is entering the building and setting up utility data. Depending on the property and reporting requirements, this may include electricity, gas, water, or other energy sources.
This step is important because accurate building details and complete utility data are what make benchmarking useful and compliant.
After the property is set up, clients can share access with Evergreen so we can help review the setup, verify data, support reporting, and manage the next steps.
This is often the point where the process becomes much easier for building owners, because Evergreen can help handle the more detailed administrative and compliance tasks.
Some cities require additional actions beyond Portfolio Manager. For example, a city may require a separate owner portal, a linked reporting system, or additional verification steps.
Evergreen helps clients understand these city-specific requirements and make sure the correct workflow is followed.
Benchmarking is often an ongoing process rather than a one-time task. Annual updates, deadline tracking, and data review may all be part of staying in compliance over time.
Evergreen can continue supporting clients after the initial setup so reporting stays organized and on schedule year after year.