Signal-4: Buildings Energy Score

In 2020, New York City co-ops and condos larger than 25000-square-feet will be required to post a letter grade, from A to F, that reflects the building’s energy efficiency. These letter grades will be derived from the building’s Energy Star score. The federal Environmental Protection Agency computes Energy Star numbers by using a nationwide database to compare the energy consumption of buildings of comparable size, usage, occupancy, hours of operation, and location.

It appears that the model the agency is using has several problems. First, gauging performance based on square footage does not consider the effect of ceiling height on the energy needed to heat or cool the place. Therefore, cubic feet measurements are more appropriate here. Second, difference in demographics, where wealthier people spend less energy simply because they spend less time in their apartments. Third, area verses density, a 2000-square-feet apartment would use less energy than five 400-square-feet apartments because it has four kitchens rather than one.

In my final paper about Rentlogic, I am suggesting breaking down Rentlogic’s building grade into more informative sub-grades. After reading about the energy star score, I am considering it to be part of the sub-grades I am suggesting. The reason behind this is an attempt to reach a grade that can provide a holistic measure.