EWRB – Energy & Water Reporting & Benchmarking

Most privately-owned buildings larger than 50,000 square feet must report their 2019 energy and water consumption by July 1, 2020. This is an annual reporting requirement.

Why was reporting introduced?

Many buildings are already tracking and comparing energy use as part of their standard building management practices. So why has this regulation now been introduced?

The disclosure of building performance information is expected to accomplish the following goals:

• Motivate Corporations to compete with one another and strive to improve their building’s performance year over year
• Allow property and financial markets to compare building performance
• Show the benefits of investing in energy efficiency
• Facilitate local and nationwide comparison of the energy performance of similar buildings (using the Energy Star scores awarded once reports are submitted)

Do only high-rise buildings need to report?

Reporting is required for any building, with a total gross square footage of at least 50,000.  This includes high-rises, low-rises and large townhome buildings.

A good rule of thumb is that single buildings with more than 50 units will likely need to report.

Property assessment guidelines dictate the exact types of applicable buildings, as per the examples below:

• 309 – Freehold Townhouse/Row house – more than two units in a row with separate ownership
• 340 – Multi-residential, with 7 or more self-contained units (excludes row-housing)
• 370 – Residential Condominium Unit
• 379 – Residential phased condominium corporation 
• 380 – Residential common elements condominium corporation 

Still have more questions?

What must be reported?

Who may report?

Who may verify data?

How long does the reporting process take?

Where do you start?

Where to turn for help?