Building Energy and Water Scoring (BEWS)

For comprehensive details, check out the How-to Guide by clicking the button below.

Printable BEWS How-to Guide(PDF, 1MB)

Step 1: Set up your ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager

• Create or log in to your account at energystar.gov/benchmark
• Identify your building’s main use (e.g. office, multi-family, school)
• Use the worksheet to gather building details: energy, water, and square footage

Step 2: Request your energy data

• Locate your buildings in the benchmarking portal
  • Claim your buildings
  • Access your electric utility data

Step 3: Add data from other utilities

• Include any natural gas usage (from providers like Xcel Energy)
• You may need to contact your gas provider directly

To obtain your natural gas data, follow the instructions in the Xcel How-to Guide:

Xcel How-to Guide 

Step 4: Submit your report by June 1

• Use your City-issued Building ID through the benchmarking portal
• Ensure data covers Jan. 1-Dec. 31 of the reporting year
• Double-check for errors before submitting in Portfolio Manager

Need help?

• Reach out to our Help Center at BuildingScoring@fortcollins.gov or by calling 970-416-2733

You may request a waiver if your building meets any of these:

• It’s a public building (as defined in the ordinance)
• It was less than 60% occupied on average during the reporting year
• It’s used primarily for industrial or agricultural purposes
• It contains sensitive or confidential business data
• It has unique circumstances, approved by the City Manager’s Office

Submit your request via the Waiver Request Form

Avoid penalties—submit your annual report on time.

Missing the June 1 deadline may result in a $3,000 fine.

Here’s how the process generally works:

• You may receive an initial warning and/or notices if the deadline is missed
• Unresolved cases may result in citations or penalties

Need help? The City offers free technical assistance—reach out early to stay on track! Email us at BuildingScoring@fortcollins.gov

Find Your Building ID: Required for reporting.

Find your building ID

Benchmarking Map: See how other buildings are performing.

Access the Benchmarking Map

To complete your BEWS report, you’ll need data from your utility providers.

Step 1: Find your utility providers

Check who supplies your building’s:

• Electricity
• Natural gas 

Step 2: Request Your Data

For Fort Collins Utilities customers:

• Send your electric data securely through the benchmarking portal under the Utility Data Dashboard

For Xcel Energy customers:

• View the Xcel Energy Benchmarking Guide

For other gas providers:

• Contact your vendor directly and upload your usage data to ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager

Step 3: Check Your Data for Errors

After uploading all data to ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager:

• Run the Data Quality Checker Tool
• Water is not required for reporting: please disregard error messages regarding missing and incomplete water and waste data

Need Help with Compliance? We're Here for You.

Navigating the path to compliance can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.

• Email us: BuildingScoring@fortcollins.gov
• Call us: 970-416-2733

City of Fort Collins Benchmarking and Utility Data Access Portal Training

Attend a training to learn about the improvements to the benchmarking process with the new City of Fort Collins Benchmarking and Utility Data Access Portal. Click on the buttons below to learn more and register.

1. How to Create an Account in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
2. How to Add a Property in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
3. How to Add a Meter and Input Utility Data (This training is for you if you are not using Fort Collins Utilities or Xcel's auto-upload.)
4. How to Attach Your Fort Collins Building ID
5. Benchmarking Portal: Create an Account and Claim Buildings
6. Benchmarking Portal: Submit Report or Waiver
7. Benchmarking Portal: Auto Upload

Oct. 15, 2019 — Technical Training for Multi-family Properties

What you'll learn:

• How to set up Portfolio Manager for multi-family buildings
• How to track energy and water performance

Watch Multi-family Training

Oct. 9, 2019 — Tenant Engagement for Energy Efficiency

What you'll learn:

• Why tenants are key to saving energy
• Tips and tools for getting tenant buy-in

Watch Tenant Engagement Training

ENERGY STAR offers regular live and recorded trainings on Portfolio Manager features.
See ENERGY STAR Trainings

Guides

• How to Track and Benchmark Onsite Solar Energy(PDF, 877KB)
• ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager Guide(PDF, 320KB)
• How-to-Benchmark-Campuses-Guide(PDF, 500KB)

• Utility Rebates
• Design Assistance
• Find a Contractor
• C-PACE Financing
• Our Climate Future
• Licensed Professional Finder
  • Links you to licensed professionals with experience verifying properties for ENERGY STAR certifications.