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October 12, 2023| Department of Environmental Protection
The Energy Benchmarking Law requires the County to make reported benchmarking information readily available to the public. Calendar year 2022 benchmarking data and the annual report are now available on the benchmarking webpage.
The 2022 Disclosed Benchmarking Data spreadsheet contains a list of each reported building, the benchmarking compliance status, and basic energy metrics for each site, where available. This year, Group 3 and 4 are not identified by name/ID, as benchmarking information from the first calendar year that a covered building is required to benchmark is not publicly disclosed.
The 2022 Annual Report provides an overview of benchmarking results and trends in an interactive format that allows viewers to drill-down and explore data like ENERGY STAR score, site energy use intensity, and direct emissions.
We hope you enjoy exploring this data. If you have recommendations or other ideas for analysis, please contact us at Energy@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov.
Now that you have benchmarked, it's time to be recognized and tell the world your building is energy efficient! If your building has an ENERGY STAR Score of 75 or higher, it is eligible for ENERGY STAR Certification.
The deadline for submitting applications for 2023 ENERGY STAR Certification for U.S. commercial buildings is Friday, December 8, 2023. EPA will award 2023 certification to all successful applications received by that date. Applications received later or needing significant follow up or changes will be eligible for 2024 certification.
For more information on applying, view this step-by-step guide, How to apply for the ENERGY STAR, or watch a recording of a recent webinar.
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DEP is thrilled to welcome Sheena Oliver to our Buildings & Transportation Programs as the new Multifamily Energy Programs Manager working alongside the benchmarking and building energy performance standards team.
Sheena joins DEP with over 21 years of Property Management experience, 18 years of which were onsite at multifamily communities throughout Montgomery County. Learn more about Sheena in her own words on My Green Montgomery.
If your apartment building, common ownership community, or property management company has questions about energy programs or if you are interested in a presentation, please contact Sheena!
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Montgomery County is excited to welcome Sarah Kogel-Smucker as the County's new Climate Change Officer. Ms. Kogel-Smucker joins Montgomery County after leading the creation of the climate change division of the District of Columbia’s (DC) Office of the People’s Counsel.
Prior to her work in the District, she served as senior counsel for the New York City Law Department’s Environmental Division. In this role, she advocated for the deployment of affordable clean energy initiatives, analyzed environmental legislation and advised other divisions on climate policy. She has more than 15 years of experience in environmental issues, particularly in the area of environmental law.
Learn more about Sarah here.
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will soon announce a grant opportunity to provide funding to businesses that manufacture, remanufacture, and refurbish construction materials and products for developing and verifying Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and to States, Indian Tribes, and nonprofit organizations supporting such businesses.
This grant opportunity is expected to be posted on Grants.gov in the coming weeks, and applicants will have 90 days to apply. EPA recently released this grant opportunity’s Assistance Listing, which is a detailed public description of a federal grant program. The Assistance Listing can be viewed at Sam.gov.
For help with grant-related questions and to receive notifications when grants are available, please send a message by e-mail to embodiedcarbon@epa.gov.
Check out DEP’s Green Job Portal for open positions in climate and sustainability jobs! Opportunities include several with DEP including:
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Local News
Montgomery County Council Enacts Legislation that will Prohibit Sale and Use of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers (Montgomery County Council Press Release)
- Landscapers in Montgomery County, MD—we want your opinions/experience on using electric leaf blowers! This 5-minute survey will gather your perspective on a leaf blower exchange and rebate program. Please complete this quick survey and share these links with others, https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KWKQLBJ
Central Baptist Church Installs 148.42 kW Community Solar System helping Local Businesses Go Green (Montgomery County Green Bank)
State inching forward with building energy performance standards (Maryland Matters)
From poop to power: How WSSC Water and Montgomery county are partnering to help the environment (WUSA9)
Cutting through the Smog: How Air Quality Standards Help Solve the Hidden Health Toll of Air Pollution from Maryland's Homes and Businesses (Green & Healthy Homes Initiative)
Other News
This tax tweak is supercharging Biden’s climate agenda (Grist)
Is Multifamily Ready for Building Electrification (Multi-Housing News)
Electrification: Changes, Challenges, and Opportunities (The ACCA HVAC Blog)
AHLA, HAC Expand Green Key Global Sustainability Certification Program in Canada & U.S. Through Joint Venture Partnership (Green Lodging News)
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October 17 | Maryland Clean Energy Center & Partners
Maryland Clean Energy Summit
October 18, 11 am - 1 pm, Montgomery County
Building Performance Improvement Board Meeting
October 18, noon - 1 pm, USGBC
USGBC MD, NCR, & VA: 2023 Greenbuild Recap
October 19, 6 - 8:30 pm | AIA Potomac Valley and the Montgomery County Planning Department
2023 Celebrate Design awards event
October 26 - 27 | USGBC
Smart Building Summit
November 7, noon - 1 pm | AIA Potomac Valley
Concrete as a Sustainable Building Material
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