NJ Benchmarking

Background of New Jersey Benchmarking and Benefits

Benchmarking is the process of tracking and reporting a building’s energy and water usage annually. In New Jersey, this is now required for buildings over 25,000 sq ft that are classified as “commercial” or “apartment".

According to your filing, your building will be issued posters displaying its energy efficiency grade (ranging from A to D), which must be placed visibly near the building’s entrance. This Energy Grade will be considered by tenants, prospective buyers, and lenders when making decisions. Failure to submit benchmarking data by the deadline can result in state-issued violations and financial penalties.

We handle the entire benchmarking process from start to finish—making sure your data is submitted correctly and on time, while also maximizing your ENERGY STAR score and presenting your building in the best possible light.

The Future of Decarbonization in New Jersey

New Jersey is steadily laying the groundwork for large-scale building decarbonization. While the state doesn’t yet have a regulation equivalent to New York City’s Local Law 97, recent policy developments suggest that a similar building emissions law could be introduced in the near future. The state’s Energy Master Plan sets a clear target of 100% clean energy by 2050, with buildings expected to play a central role in reaching this goal. This includes transitioning away from fossil fuels, expanding building electrification, and implementing mandatory energy performance disclosures.

Owners who act now—by benchmarking and planning for upgrades like heat pumps, building envelope improvements, and smart controls—will be better positioned to meet future emissions caps. Strong incentives and federal funding are currently available to support these improvements, though incentive structures are subject to change over time. Acting early not only maximizes available support, but also helps avoid last-minute retrofit costs as regulatory standards tighten.

We offer turnkey support to guide your building through every step of this transition—from identifying the most cost-effective energy efficiency upgrades to securing funding from state and utility programs, managing implementation, and ensuring long-term compliance with emerging standards.