Verify Your Benchmarking Data
Your energy efficiency target is the energy performance goal your building must meet.
This target is measured in energy use intensity (EUI) and reflects how much energy your building should use each year based on its size and type. Ensuring you are working towards the correct energy efficiency target is essential for creating a plan that will work for you.
Third Party Data Verification
An accurate target depends on accurate benchmarking data. To ensure that details like square footage, property use type and energy consumption are correct, buildings must complete third-party data verification twice over the life of the program.
Verifying your data helps you:
Know
Where You Stand
Is your building on track or using too much energy?
Plan
Smarter Upgrades
Make appropriate improvements for your target.
Achieve
Compliance
Align with city requirements and avoid penalties.
Data Verification Due Dates
First Data Verification deadline was on June 1, 2026.
Didn't meet the deadline? Apply for a data verification extension.
Final Verification due after your final target year:
A second data verification must be completed after your final target year by June 1. For example, if your final target year is 2032, then your data verification of 2032 energy data is due by June 1, 2033.
Important
Notes
Data verification and benchmarking can be submitted separately.
Your Data Verification Checklist does not need to be submitted with your benchmarking report. These are different submission requirements and may be completed at separate times.
Data verification is required for all buildings.
Even if your building is already meeting its final energy efficiency target, you must still complete both required data verifications.
Have an approved target adjustment?
Buildings that have received an approved target adjustment already meet the data verification requirement for 2026.
How to Submit Your Data Verification
Connect the Data Verifier with your ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager® (ESPM) account
Share Your Property with the Data Verifier in ESPM
Gather Supporting Information if Needed
Data Verifier Reviews Benchmarking Report and Generates Data Verification Checklist
Data Verifier Completes and Signs the Checklist
Data Verification Resources
Need more detailed instructions? The Data Verification Guide will walk you step-by-step through completing your data verification requirement. The Data Verification Process for Building Owners video gives a detailed overview of the process.