Indianapolis is grappling with significant challenges in implementing its building energy benchmarking ordinance, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The city’s climate action plan, revised in 2019, focuses on building emissions, which constitute a major portion of its carbon footprint. The ordinance, necessitating energy benchmarking for large buildings, mandates compliance by the end of 2024. This effort is crucial for Indianapolis, given the substantial reliance on coal power in Indiana, emphasizing the need for energy efficiency. However, the city has encountered difficulties in ensuring participation, with only a small fraction of qualifying structures having met the requirements by late 2024. This situation reveals the complexities of driving change through policy in the built environment.
Chicago’s energy benchmarking program offers a noteworthy comparison to Indianapolis’s efforts. Introduced in 2013, Chicago’s program mandates rigorous compliance with significant penalties for non-adherence, leading to high participation rates. The city has reported meaningful reductions in energy use and emissions as a result. Indianapolis can draw lessons from Chicago’s experiences, particularly in terms of outreach and enforcement strategies to improve compliance. Both cities are part of the Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge, which provides a platform for exchanging best practices and insights into sustainability efforts.
What Are the Current Compliance Rates?
The 2021 ordinance targets buildings over 50,000 square feet, yet only about 20% have complied, a stark contrast to Chicago’s 85% compliance. Indianapolis has attempted to facilitate the process through workshops and the use of the EPA’s ENERGYSTAR software, but challenges persist. The relatively modest penalties in Indianapolis, compared to those in Chicago, may contribute to the low compliance rates. The Indianapolis Office of Sustainability continues outreach efforts, emphasizing the legal and financial benefits of participation.
How Are Institutions Responding?
Despite low overall compliance, certain institutions in Indianapolis have successfully adopted energy benchmarking. Notable examples include the Indianapolis Museum of Art and various public schools. These entities have used benchmarking to identify energy inefficiencies and implement conservation measures, such as upgrading HVAC systems and enhancing insulation. Such initiatives have led to substantial cost savings and improved energy resilience. These examples underscore the potential benefits that benchmarking can provide, even in energy-intensive environments like museums and schools.
Phil Day of the Indianapolis Museum of Art emphasized, “Museums aren’t typically known as an energy-efficient facility, but it is always high on my priority list in everything we program or replace.”
Cenergistic’s involvement with Indianapolis Public Schools illustrates the practical outcomes of benchmarking, revealing over $1 million in potential savings by addressing energy inefficiencies.
“Benchmarking provided a clear starting point by identifying high-energy-consuming facilities and systems,” said Dennis Harris, CEO of Cenergistic.
This process facilitates strategic planning and effective resource allocation, promoting a culture of ongoing energy management and sustainability within the district.
Indianapolis is also learning from cities like Chicago and Columbus, which have achieved higher compliance rates through strategic measures. A comparison reveals the importance of strong regulatory frameworks and community engagement in advancing energy efficiency initiatives. Indianapolis’s approach may benefit from adopting similar strategies to enhance compliance and effectiveness.
The requirement for energy benchmarking in Indianapolis reflects a broader trend towards sustainable urban planning. While challenges remain, the potential for energy savings and emissions reductions is significant. Building owners who have embraced benchmarking report both cost savings and increased energy independence. These efforts contribute not only to individual financial benefits but also to broader environmental goals. As cities continue to evolve their strategies, the lessons learned will be invaluable in shaping future policies and ensuring a more sustainable urban future.
