Attention Massachusetts Building Owners!
If your property boasts 20,000+ square feet of floor space, you’re officially required to publicly report your energy consumption—including electricity, gas, and steam utilities! Transparency is key, and compliance is not optional, so don’t get caught off guard! Stay ahead, report accurately, and ensure you’re meeting the regulations.
Understanding Massachusetts’ Large Building Energy Reporting Requirements
Introduction
Massachusetts has implemented Large Building Energy Reporting (LBER) to promote transparency, energy efficiency, and emissions reduction. This policy mandates public disclosure of energy use for buildings with a gross floor area over 20,000 square feet, ensuring owners take a proactive approach to sustainability and compliance.
Summary of Changes
The LBER regulation (published on February 25, 2025) stems from
An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind (2022) and mandates that electric, gas, and steam utilities report energy usage data for covered buildings. Additionally, building owners must disclose other energy sources such as oil, propane, wood, and on-site renewable energy generation. The Department of Energy Resources will collect the data and publish annually. Boston and Cambridge can continue implementing
BERDO and
BEUDO as planned.
Key dates:
- March 30 – Final list of covered buildings published. LBER-covered-buildings-list
- June 30 – Energy usage reports due from utilities and building owners.
- October 31 – Public disclosure reports released by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER).
Implications for Building Owners
Why Compliance Matters
Failing to report energy data can lead to penalties of up to $150 per day, reputational risks, and missed opportunities for energy optimization. As Massachusetts continues to advance environmental initiatives, complying with LBER is crucial for building owners to avoid regulatory issues and demonstrate sustainability leadership.
Navigating Local Regulations
LBER complements existing energy disclosure requirements, such as BERDO in Boston and BEUDO in Cambridge. However, municipal regulations vary, adding complexity for owners managing properties in multiple locations. Understanding both statewide and local policies is essential for seamless compliance.
Future Considerations
While the LBER regulation focuses on large properties, some advocates push for expanding transparency to smaller buildings. Additionally, concerns about data privacy and public disclosures remain key considerations as energy reporting evolves.
Call to Action
If you received a letter stating that you own a covered building or found your building on the published list, you may:
- Claim your building
- Dispute your building’s listing
- Request an exemption
- Add yourself to the list if missing
- File an ownership change form
You may wish to provide comments on the following draft guidance documents until April 23rd:
You can submit feedback via email to
[email protected] with the subject lines “Gross Floor Area Guideline Feedback” or “Exempt Building Uses Feedback”
Get Expert Help Today!
Navigating LBER can be complex, time-consuming, and demanding—but you don’t have to do it alone!
We provide consultations, compliance support, and report preparation to ensure building owners meet LBER requirements accurately and on time.
Let us handle the details while you focus on efficiency and sustainability. Reach out today to ensure compliance and optimize your building’s energy strategy!
