Dive summary:
- Mandatory energy-use reporting for large commercial buildings as a way to encourage conservation has become public policy in cities on both U.S. coasts, and Minneapolis is bringing the concept to the middle of the country.
- Beginning in 2015, operators of buildings with 50,000 square feet of space or more will have to report the buildings' energy and water use to the city, which itself will begin this year to report what's being consumed in public buildings of 25,000 square feet or more.
- Reporting ordinances are intended to encourage energy and water conservation by making building owners aware, if they weren't already, of what they are using and how their buildings compare with competitors in the market.
From the article:
"This kind of transparency builds on our strengths in Minneapolis around energy efficiency," said Elizabeth Glidden, Minneapolis City Council member and author of the ordinance. ...
