Energy Star Portfolio Manager's Uncertain Future

Source: BOMA International

Earlier this year, the U.S. Administration announced plans to shut down the Energy Star program—but thanks to strong advocacy from BOMA International and industry partners, that decision is now on pause. While the future is still uncertain, BOMA is actively working with Congress to show why the program, especially Portfolio Manager, is too valuable to lose.

Here’s what matters for you:

• Energy Star isn’t gone yet: Although it was targeted for closure, the government has now said “no final decision has been made.” That’s a sign our collective voice is making a difference.
• BOMA is leading the charge. Energy Star was established under federal law, so shutting it down requires formal legislation. BOMA is making sure lawmakers understand how essential it is to the commercial real estate industry.
• What’s at risk? Portfolio Manager—the tool many of you use to benchmark energy performance—could be affected if funding runs out.
• Funding issues continue. Energy Star’s $32 million annual budget is tied to two U.S. government spending bills, but those are caught up in political gridlock. If Congress can’t agree by October 1, a stopgap measure (continuing resolution) would keep funding temporarily—but not guarantee long-term stability.
• What you can do: BOMA National will soon publish a letter of support for Energy Star on its Legislative Action page. When it’s live, you can contact your representatives to urge them to support the program.

For now, the message is: we’re not out of the woods yet, but the advocacy is working. Keeping Energy Star alive helps protect the tools and data you rely on to improve building performance.