Large buildings in the Capital Regional District need to start reporting annual energy use and emissions. Focal can help you gear up and report, keeping the process smooth and on track!
Benchmarking: What it is
The City of Victoria and District of Saanich adopted Energy and Carbon Emissions Reporting bylaws in 2025, launching a regional benchmarking program administered by the CRD. Reporting begins in 2026 and applies to large commercial, institutional, and multi-unit residential buildings.
- Buildings over 30,000 ft² must report 2025 energy data by June 1, 2026.
- Buildings over 10,000 ft² will join the program the following year.
Owners will track and submit building energy data using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager through the CRD benchmarking portal.
If your building/ complex falls into one of the categories below, you may be eligible for an enhanced service offering, where you can get assistance complying:
- Are mixed-use, between 50,000 and 30,000 sqft and have at least one FortisBC meter,
- Are between 50,000 and 30,000 sqft and have multiple FortisBC meter, or
- Strata complexes with multiple buildings and at least one FortisBC meter.
Reach out to us at Focal, if you want to be connected with this offering.
Why it matters
Benchmarking helps municipalities understand emissions from existing buildings. It also helps owners identify efficiency opportunities, reduce operating costs, and prepare for future building performance improvements and requirements.
Does it affect my building?
Focal supports building owners with benchmarking setup, reporting compliance, and building performance analysis across BC. We have decades of experience with benchmarking and have helped clients with a similar requirement in Vancouver.
Check the CRD’s list here to see if your building needs to comply: https://www.crd.ca/media/file/coveredbuildingslistmar26forwebxlsx
How Focal can help
Focal supports building owners with benchmarking setup, reporting compliance, and building performance analysis across BC. We have decades of experience with benchmarking and have helped clients with a similar requirement in Vancouver.
Talk to our team to learn more!
