City of St. Louis Implements Mandatory Third-Party Verification for 2024 Benchmarking Data
By Emily Hand
The City of St. Louis has introduced a new requirement for building owners submitting benchmarking data under Ordinance 71132. Beginning with the 2024 Benchmarking Report, properties must have their energy performance data verified by an accredited third party to ensure accuracy and compliance with the city’s Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS). Benchmarking was due May 1, 2025, and third-party data verification is due June 1, 2025.
Benchmarking is a critical tool in assessing and improving building energy efficiency, and the introduction of mandatory third-party verification enhances the integrity of reported data. This initiative aligns St. Louis with national efforts to reduce carbon emissions from large buildings, a significant contributor to climate change. By ensuring accurate benchmarking data, the City aims to drive more effective energy efficiency improvements and enforce compliance with its sustainability goals.
The verification must be conducted by an accredited professional, such as a licensed engineer, certified energy manager, or other recognized verifier. This step is designed to prevent misreporting and improve transparency in building energy performance.
Looking for a Third-Party Verifier? Verdical Group is proud to be one of the first firms to be officially recognized as a Data Verifier by the Building Energy Exchange St. Louis, and we are here to help! We are also experienced providers of benchmarking services and can support owners with this. Contact us today to learn how we can collaborate.
Owners will also have the opportunity to learn more about compliance at upcoming events and trainings. For more details, visit St. Louis Benchmarking or read about similar policies shaping building efficiency nationwide at Canary Media.
Verdical Group is proud to also be working with the City of St. Louis to update their sustainability plan in collaboration with CannonDesign, BluePoint Planning, Blackrock Consulting, and Greenwood Consulting Group LLC. The expansion of the City’s existing plan will incorporate advanced strategies for climate adaptation, community development, and equity to create a thriving future for all residents.
