Chicago relaunches energy benchmarking programme

The relaunch of the programme is supported by an experienced team of energy-use experts from Slipstream, ClearlyEnergy, JAQ Corp, and Shelton Solutions. The team’s experience is complemented by ClearlyEnergy’s proprietary BEAM web platform, a reporting and resource hub used by many peer cities to help building owners track and report on energy use.

Together, these new programme upgrades will prioritise education, helping building owners better understand their energy use so they can find opportunities for greater energy efficiency. 

"Our focus as a department is to bring everyone along in the clean energy transition, and that includes providing resources and support to make this shift accessible and achievable,” said Angela Tovar, Chicago’s chief sustainability officer and DoE commissioner.

“Through this revitalised programme, the Department of Environment is transforming energy reporting from a compliance requirement to a meaningful starting point that helps building owners better understand their energy use, reduce costs, and contribute to lowering the city’s emissions overall.” 

“The relaunch of the Chicago Energy Benchmarking programme marks a significant milestone in my administration’s mission to strengthen both the Department of Environment and Chicago’s broader environmental agenda”

Since 2016, carbon emissions have decreased by 39 per cent for buildings over 50,000 square feet, which suggests that building owners have already benefitted from and taken steps in response to insights from the Chicago Energy Benchmarking programme. However, with buildings still representing the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Chicago, the programme represents an important mechanism for continuing progress on Chicago’s climate goals. The new phase of the programme will build upon past successes, while making targeted improvements to increase compliance and address barriers to enforcement. 

“Slipstream is honoured to support the City of Chicago in advancing one of the nation’s most impactful building energy transparency initiatives,” said Sandra Henry, president and CEO at Slipstream. “The revamped Chicago Energy Benchmarking programme pairs actionable data with the tools, training, and guidance that help building owners take meaningful steps toward decarbonisation.

“We are proud to work alongside the Department of Environment and our partners to ensure that every building owner has the support needed to reduce energy use, cut carbon emissions, and contribute to a more sustainable Chicago for all.”  

The reporting period for 2025 energy data runs from early March to 1 June 2026.