How Atlanta’s Energy Ordinance Impacts Your Building – and Your Bottom Line

Atlanta’s Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Ordinance, established in 2015, requires large commercial buildings to track and report their energy consumption.

In this post by CopelandBEC consultants Carmen Prantil and Arjun Bir, you’ll learn all about this important Atlanta ordinance.

Atlanta’s skyline stands as a testament to the city’s growth and economic vitality. With commercial buildings accounting for a significant portion of the city’s energy consumption and carbon emissions, the city has taken a bold step toward a more sustainable future with its Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Ordinance.

The Who, What, and When

The ordinance applies to:

• commercial buildings that are 25,000 square feet or larger
• city-owned buildings that are 10,000 square feet or larger
• new buildings, which must comply within one year of receiving Certificate of Occupancy

Under the ordinance, building owners must report energy and water usage every year by July 1st using the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. Additionally, every 10 years buildings need an energy audit and retro-commissioning – think of this as a “check-up” for existing systems – to identify opportunities for improvement. These assessments must be conducted by qualified third-party professionals holding relevant certifications (PE, CEM, or BEAP) who are independent from the building’s regular operations and maintenance staff. All documentation must then be submitted to the City of Atlanta for compliance review.

Why You Should Care

Compliance with the ordinance isn’t just about following rules; it comes with real benefits for your bottom line. Optimized energy performance directly reduces operating costs through lower utility bills, while comfortable, efficiently-conditioned spaces help secure and retain quality tenants. Buildings with demonstrated energy efficiency increasingly command premium values and attract sophisticated tenants and investors who prioritize sustainability metrics in their decision-making. In today’s competitive market, strong energy performance has become a key differentiator that directly impacts asset value and marketability.

Beyond financial benefits, the ordinance helps properties stay competitive as energy costs, regulations, and market expectations evolve. Non-compliance could mean penalties and missed financial incentives. Whether you’re an owner, property manager, or architect, investing in energy efficiency isn’t just good for sustainability—it’s smart business.

Where Does the Building Envelope Fit In?

The building envelope fundamentally drives energy efficiency and directly impacts compliance with the ordinance requirements. A well-performing envelope minimizes thermal transfer, controls air infiltration, and reduces the load on mechanical systems. This translates to lower energy consumption, more stable interior conditions, and reduced operating costs. Building owners who address their envelope performance position themselves to achieve better energy metrics while protecting their long-term investment. Understanding your envelope’s condition and performance is essential for developing an effective energy management strategy.

Resources for Energy Performance

Achieving compliance and maximizing energy savings starts with data-driven decision-making. Whether you’re looking to meet ordinance requirements or enhance building efficiency, the following resources and tools can help:

• ATL Compliance Resource Center – the Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Sustainability and Resilience has pulled together guidance and resources related to the ordinance including upcoming training sessions, demo videos, and a current list of eligible buildings.
• ATL Energy Benchmarking Map – this map allows you to search for your property and identify if it lies within Atlanta City limits where the ordinance is in effect.
• Quick Compliance Guide – this digital handbook is intended for property managers and building owners and serves as a quick how-to guide and answers FAQs.
• What is Benchmarking? – learn more about benchmarking using the free, web-based Portfolio Manager tool that is required for tracking and reporting energy and water usage.
• ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager Demo Videos – watch short videos on how to use Portfolio Manager for various steps required in the ordinance process.
• Energy Audient Requirements & Submission – learn more about the ASHRAE Level 2 energy audits required by the ordinance every 10 years.
• Georgia Power Automated Benchmarking Tool (ABT) – this tool enables owners and property managers of buildings served by Georgia Power to retrieve their energy consumption data for upload to the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.

Want to hear more from Arjun Bir? Check out his publications on Envelope Express!

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