Building Energy Benchmarking and Performance Standards
Cincinnati
Summary
A proposed ordinance would require large building owners to track and report energy use. Four residents testified in support, citing cost savings and emissions cuts; the item isn't on the agenda yet but the chair hopes it passes before year's end.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 9
- Last 30 days
- 5
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 27, 2026.
Impact analysis
Supporters cited average energy savings of roughly 3% annually for compliant buildings in Columbus, offsetting energy costs that have risen over 27% in recent years.
Building owners, tenants, and small businesses gain transparency into energy costs; the city gets data to target efficiency support.
Large building owners face new reporting requirements and setup effort, though a multi-family investment manager testified the burden is modest.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Climate, City Services & Infrastructure — October 27, 2026
A proposed ordinance would require large building owners to track and report energy use. Four residents testified in support, citing cost savings and emissions cuts; the item isn't on the agenda yet but the chair hopes it passes before year's end.
Climate, City Services & Infrastructure — September 15, 2026
Cincinnati is considering a new policy to require large buildings to report their annual energy consumption. The proposal aims to help the city meet its Green Cincinnati Plan carbon neutrality goals by identifying energy inefficiencies without requiring building owners to make immediate upgrades.
Climate, City Services & Infrastructure — August 4, 2026
Council is considering an ordinance to require annual energy benchmarking for large buildings to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency.
Climate, City Services & Infrastructure — June 9, 2026
The city is exploring energy benchmarking policies for large buildings to help reduce carbon emissions and align with the Green Cincinnati Plan. Officials and stakeholders are discussing how to collect energy data efficiently while providing technical support and incentives for building owners.
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
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