Can I file for an exemption to the Building Benchmark ordinance?
All non-residential buildings of 50,000 sq feet or more are required to report utility data to the City of Pittsburgh via ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager in accordance with Code ยง626.02. However, exemptions can be requested in the following cases:
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The building does not have a certificate of occupancy, permanent or temporary, for all 12 months of the year.
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A demolition permit has been issued for the building during the prior calendar year; and demolition work has commenced and energy related systems have been compromised; legal occupancy is no longer possible prior to June 1 of the applicable year.
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During the reporting year, the average physical occupancy of the building is under 50% capacity.
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It is determined that due to special circumstances unique to the building in question, and not based on actions taken by the owner, applicant or operator; that strict compliance with provisions of this Ordinance would cause undue hardship or not be in the Public interest.
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The building is primarily used for manufacturing or other industrial purposes for which the energy consumption results would not meaningfully reflect the building's usage characteristics due to the intensive use of process energy.
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The owner is unable to report due to the failure of either a utility or a tenant , or both, to provide the information necessary for the owner to complete any benchmarking submittal requirement.
To apply for an exemption, please via Department of City Planning at http://pittsburghpa.gov/dcp/programs/building-benchmarking/comply.html. There is a form at the bottom of the page. All exemptions MUST be applied for by April 2nd of the affected year. No exemption request will be reviewed past this deadline.