New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA’s) Pre-kindergarten through Grade 12 (P-12) Schools Initiative - Benchmarking Program is available to provide up to three years of free energy benchmarking services to eligible schools. Benchmarking is a mechanism to measure, track and assess a building’s utility, greenhouse gas, cost and energy metrics over time or comparatively to other similar buildings. Benchmarking will help schools better understand their energy use, identify inefficiencies, maximize energy performance, and support financial planning and budgeting.

Participating schools will receive ongoing assistance from the Program’s Benchmarking Consultants and will have their utility data entered in the Program’s Benchmarking Tool every six months to determine trends specific to energy usage, water usage, greenhouse gas emissions, and utility costs. Schools will receive benchmarking reports outlining these trends through metrics, visuals, and graphics to help them understand how their building performs over time. An optional Operational Assessment is available for eligible schools interested in receiving building-specific energy and cost-saving recommendations.

To submit an application, schools are required to meet general eligibility requirements. For more information about the Benchmarking Program and upcoming webinars, visit https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/P-12-Benchmarking-Program.