Building Performance Standards Utility Attribution Framework: A new resource for utilities to support ambitious energy codes
Slipstream and ClearlyEnergy, with support from the U.S. Department of Energy through a Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation (RECI) grant, has developed a new Utility Attribution Framework to help utilities understand and quantify the way their role in advancing benchmarking and Building Performance Standards (BPS) can lead to real energy savings.
What is attribution?
At its core, utility attribution quantifies how much of the energy savings from building energy codes and BPS initiatives can be credited to utilities’ efforts. This ensures utilities receive recognition for their contributions while strengthening partnerships with jurisdictions and building owners.
Why utility attribution matters
Attribution involves calculating the net energy savings from energy code adoption and compliance. The framework adapts lessons from existing energy code attribution methods and extends them to benchmarking and BPS programs, creating new pathways for utility engagement and support.
Developed with input from stakeholders across the country, including utilities, NGOs, program evaluators, states and local governments, the framework shows how utilities can claim savings while meaningfully contributing to policy success.
The guidance document includes:
- Creating baseline models (e.g., building stock analysis prior to BPS requirements)
- Accounting for technical and financial support provided to buildings above and beyond their own efforts
- Quantifying utility attribution through expert panels (Delphi) or deemed savings approaches
- Allocating savings to utilities based on fuel type and program administrator involvement
- Identifying attribution activities such as code development participation, training, and compliance support
How utilities can support benchmarking & BPS programs
By using the framework, utilities could claim savings for benchmarking and BPS to support a range of activities, including:
- Contributing to research studies and lending expertise during policymaking
- Providing jurisdictions with implementation assistance
- Developing communications and educational resources for stakeholders
- Offering data access services to help building owners easily report whole-building energy usage
Learn more
Join us for a free webinar on October 1 at 3 p.m. Eastern Time for a deeper dive into the framework.
Contact us
Want to talk to us about implementing this framework in your utility? Please reach out to Jeannette LeZaks or Darren Port