At a glance
| Covered private buildings | Over 10,000 square feet. |
|---|---|
| Annual reporting deadline | May 1. |
| Reporting system | ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. |
| Verification timing | Next third-party verification due in 2027 for 2026 data; then every six years. |
What DC energy benchmarking is
DC energy benchmarking is the annual process of tracking and reporting whole-building energy and water performance for covered buildings through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.
Who this is for
Quoin is built for building owners handling compliance directly, property managers coordinating utility records and reporting tasks, and consultants supporting one or many covered buildings.
How Quoin fits the workflow
Portfolio Manager is still the reporting system. The harder part usually comes before reporting: setting up the building correctly, organizing utility and water data, reviewing coverage, and resolving issues before deadline week.
Quoin gives you a guided place to move through that work in a more structured way.
- Set up the building and see the required inputs in one place.
- Connect Portfolio Manager and bring the workflow together earlier.
- Review missing data, unusual values, and open issues before the deadline.
- Prepare a cleaner record before final reporting.
A better way to approach reporting
The goal is not just to submit a benchmark. The goal is to prepare a record that is easier to review, easier to explain, and less likely to create last-minute confusion.
- Confirm building details earlier.
- Organize energy and water records before final review.
- Document issues before they become filing risks.
- Treat Portfolio Manager as the reporting endpoint, not the first place to discover problems.
Why owners get stuck
Most reporting delays come from workflow problems, not from the final filing step.
- The building record is not fully set up until too close to the deadline.
- Utility accounts or meter coverage are incomplete.
- Missing periods and unusual values are discovered too late.
- No one has a clear picture of what is done, missing, or still under review.
Portfolio Manager is still required
Yes. ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager remains the system used for DC benchmarking. Quoin helps you get the information ready before you report.
Frequently asked questions
What is DC energy benchmarking?
It is the District's annual requirement for covered buildings to report energy and water performance through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.
Which buildings have to benchmark in Washington, DC?
Current District guidance says private buildings over 10,000 square feet are covered.
Do I still need ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager?
Yes. Portfolio Manager is the reporting system used for DC benchmarking. Quoin helps you get the information ready before you report.
Is Quoin free to use?
Yes. Quoin is a free public-interest platform built to make DC benchmarking easier to complete.
What do I need before I start?
You should have the building details, utility account coverage, and the energy and water data needed for reporting. If anything is missing, Quoin helps you surface it earlier.