ASTM E2797-22

Standard Practice for Building Energy Performance Assessment for a Building Involved in a Real Estate Transaction

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Uses—This practice is intended for use on a voluntary basis by parties who wish to conduct a BEPA on a building. The process defined in this practice involves the collection of building energy consumption information, some of which may be collected as part of E2018 PCA or E1527 ESA. The practice is intended primarily as an approach to conducting a standardized inquiry designed to identify representative building energy performance in connection with a commercial property involved in a real estate transaction. This practice is intended to reflect a commercially practical and reasonable inquiry.  
4.1.1 A number of states including CA, CO, WA and NJ, and more than three dozen cities, county and municipal governments, including Ann Arbor, MI, Atlanta, GA, Austin, TX, Berkeley, CA, Bloomington, MN, Boston, MA, Boulder, CO, Cambridge, MA, Chicago, IL, Chula Vista, CA, Columbus, OH, Denver, CO, Des Moines, IA, Edina, MN, Evanston, IL, Fort Collins, CO, Indianapolis, IN, Kansas City, MO, Los Angeles, CA, Miami, FL, Minneapolis, MN, Montgomery County, MD, New York City, NY, Orlando, FL, Philadelphia, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, Portland, ME, Portland, OR, Reno, NV, Salt Lake City, UT, San Diego, CA, San Francisco, CA, San Jose, CA, Seattle, WA, South Portland, ME, St. Louis, MO, St. Louis Park, MN, St. Paul, MN and Washington, D.C. have building energy performance benchmarking and reporting policies. Users in these locations must comply with applicable ordinances and regulations.  
4.2 Clarifications on Use:  
4.2.1 Use in Conjunction with E2018 PCA or E1527 ESA—This practice, when added as a supplemental scope of work to a E2018  PCA or a E1527  ESA, is designed to assist the user and consultant in developing information about energy consumption in a building or buildings involved in a real estate transaction. The BEPA also has utility to a wide range of persons, including those who may not be involved in a real estate transaction.  
4.2.2 Independent Use—This practice ma...
SCOPE
1.1 Purpose—The purpose of this standard is to define a commercially useful practice in the United States of America for conducting a building energy performance assessment (BEPA) on a building involved in a commercial real estate transaction and subsequent reporting of the building energy performance information. The practice is intended to provide a methodology to the user for the collection, compilation, analysis, and reporting of building energy performance information associated with a commercial building. The practice may be used independently or as a voluntary supplement to Guide E2018 for property condition assessments or Practice E1527 for Phase I environmental site assessments. Utilization of this practice and performance of a BEPA is voluntary. If the property owner (for example, the seller) is unwilling or unable to provide building energy consumption and cost information, a BEPA cannot be performed.  
1.2 Building Energy Performance—This practice defines building energy performance as the building’s total annual energy consumption and cost for heating, cooling, electricity, and other related uses. Energy consumption, for example, includes total electricity purchased; purchased or delivered steam, hot water, or chilled water; natural gas; fuel oil; coal; propane; biomass; or any other matter consumed as fuel and any electricity generated on site from renewable/alternative energy systems (for example, wind energy generator technology, fuel cells, microturbines or solar photovoltaic systems).  
1.3 Objectives—Objectives in the development of this practice are to: (1) define a commercially useful practice for collecting, compiling, and analyzing building energy performance information associated with a building involved in a commercial real estate transaction; (2) facilitate consistency in the collection, compilation, analysis, and reporting of building energy performance information as may be required under b...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2022
• ICS: 91.120.10 - Thermal insulation of buildings
• Technical Committee: E50 - Environmental Assessment, Risk Management and Corrective Action
• Drafting Committee: E50.02 - Real Estate Assessment and Management

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E2018-24 - Standard Guide for Property Condition Assessments: Baseline Property Condition Assessment Process
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM E2018-23 - Standard Guide for Property Condition Assessments: Baseline Property Condition Assessment Process
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2023
• Refers: ASTM E2018-15 - Standard Guide for Property Condition Assessments: Baseline Property Condition Assessment Process
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2015
• Refers: ASTM E2018-08 - Standard Guide for Property Condition Assessments: Baseline Property Condition Assessment Process
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2008
• Refers: ASTM E1527-05 - Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2005
• Refers: ASTM E2018-99 - Standard Guide for Property Condition Assessments: Baseline Property Condition Assessment Process
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-2001
• Refers: ASTM E2018-01 - Standard Guide for Property Condition Assessments: Baseline Property Condition Assessment Process
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-2001
• Refers: ASTM E1527-97 - Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment Process
• Effective Date: 10-May-2000
• Refers: ASTM E1527-00 - Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment Process
• Effective Date: 10-May-2000

Overview

ASTM E2797-22 is the Standard Practice for Building Energy Performance Assessment (BEPA) for a Building Involved in a Real Estate Transaction. Developed by ASTM International, this standard provides a commercially useful methodology for collecting, compiling, analyzing, and reporting building energy performance information for commercial properties-especially in the context of real estate transactions.

This standard practice supports voluntary building energy assessments and reporting, helping buyers, sellers, property managers, lenders, investors, tenants, and consultants streamline the evaluation of energy use and cost associated with heating, cooling, electricity, and other fuels. It can be used independently or as a supplement to ASTM E2018 (Property Condition Assessments) or ASTM E1527 (Phase I Environmental Site Assessments).

Key Topics

• Purpose and Scope

  • Defines a standardized process for BEPA of commercial properties
  • Offers consistency in energy data collection, compilation, analysis, and reporting
  • Voluntary use for real estate transactions – not a regulatory requirement

• Energy Performance Assessment

  • Focuses on total annual building energy consumption and cost
  • Includes electricity, natural gas, district energy, fuel oil, coal, propane, biomass, and on-site generated renewable/alternative energy (e.g., solar, wind)
  • Factors in variables such as weather, occupancy, building size, and operational characteristics

• Process Outline

  • Data collection: Gathering utility information and relevant historical energy data (typically three years, minimum one year)
  • Site visit and walk-through: Visual observation of systems impacting energy use
  • Stakeholder interviews: Discussions with owners, managers, or operators
  • Data analysis: Normalizing energy consumption data
  • Transparent, standardized reporting of findings

• Benchmarking & Regulatory Compliance

  • Supports compliance with local and state energy benchmarking and reporting ordinances in numerous U.S. jurisdictions (e.g., California, New York City, Seattle, Chicago)
  • Enhances the value and credibility of voluntary benchmarking and green building certifications

• Qualified Consultants

  • Emphasizes that BEPAs must be conducted by individuals with relevant education, training, and experience

Applications

ASTM E2797-22 is particularly valuable in the following scenarios:

• Commercial Real Estate Transactions
  • Buyers and sellers can assess and disclose building energy performance to inform purchasing decisions and negotiations
• Due Diligence
  • Lenders, investors, and asset managers use BEPA data for risk assessment and portfolio management
• Regulatory Compliance
  • Supports compliance with energy benchmarking and disclosure requirements in states and cities with such ordinances
• Portfolio Benchmarking
  • Consistent, standardized approach to compare the energy performance across multiple properties
• Facility Management and Sustainability
  • Identifies opportunities for energy efficiency improvements and cost savings
  • Can serve as an input for sustainability certifications, disclosure reporting, and utility incentive programs

Related Standards

• ASTM E2018 – Guide for Property Condition Assessments
• ASTM E1527 – Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I ESA Process
• ASHRAE Standards (e.g., Standard 211 for Commercial Building Energy Audits)
• ISO 52000-1 – Energy Performance of Buildings
• Local Benchmarking and Disclosure Ordinances – Applies in major U.S. cities and some states

By following ASTM E2797-22, stakeholders in commercial real estate benefit from a transparent, consistent, and practical assessment of building energy performance-supporting both regulatory requirements and voluntary sustainability initiatives. This standard empowers better decision-making, risk management, and promotes energy efficiency in the commercial property sector.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E2797 − 22
Standard Practice for
Building Energy Performance Assessment for a Building
Involved in a Real Estate Transaction
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2797; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope energy performance information as may be required under
building benchmarking, labeling, disclosure, or mandatory
1.1 Purpose—The purpose of this standard is to define a
auditing regulations; (3) supplement as needed a property
commercially useful practice in the United States of America
condition assessment conducted in accordance with Guide
for conducting a building energy performance assessment
E2018 or an environmental site assessment conducted in
(BEPA) on a building involved in a commercial real estate
accordance with Practice E1527; (4) provide that the process
transaction and subsequent reporting of the building energy
for building energy performance data collection, compilation,
performanceinformation.Thepracticeisintendedtoprovidea
analysis, and reporting is consistent, transparent, practical and
methodology to the user for the collection, compilation,
reasonable; and (5) provide an industry standard for the
analysis, and reporting of building energy performance infor-
conductofa BEPAonabuildinginvolvedina commercial real
mation associated with a commercial building. The practice
estate transaction, subject to existing statutes and regulations
may be used independently or as a voluntary supplement to
which may differ in terms of scope and practice.
Guide E2018 for property condition assessments or Practice
E1527 for Phase I environmental site assessments. Utilization 1.4 Documentation—The scope of this practice includes
of this practice and performance of a BEPA is voluntary. If the datacollection,compilationandreportingrequirements.Docu-
property owner (for example, the seller) is unwilling or unable mentation of all sources, records, and resources relied upon in
to provide building energy consumption and cost information, the investigation is provided in the report.
a BEPA cannot be performed.
1.5 Considerations Outside the Scope—The use of this
1.2 Building Energy Performance—This practice defines practice is limited to the collection, compilation, and analysis
building energy performance as the building’s total annual of building energy performance information as defined by this
energy consumption and cost for heating, cooling, electricity, practice for real estate transactions in the United States of
and other related uses. Energy consumption, for example, America. While this information may be used to facilitate
includes total electricity purchased; purchased or delivered building benchmarking, labeling, rating or ranking, reporting
steam, hot water, or chilled water; natural gas; fuel oil; coal; of building energy performance information between a seller
propane; biomass; or any other matter consumed as fuel and and a buyer or a landlord and a tenant on a voluntary basis or
any electricity generated on site from renewable/alternative as may be required by building benchmarking, labeling,
energy systems (for example, wind energy generator disclosure or mandatory auditing regulations applicable to the
technology, fuel cells, microturbines or solar photovoltaic building, or any other use, such use is beyond the scope of this
systems). practice. This ASTM Standard Practice does not supersede
existing statutes and regulations.
1.3 Objectives—Objectives in the development of this prac-
tice are to: (1) define a commercially useful practice for 1.6 Organization of This Practice—This practice has 13
collecting, compiling, and analyzing building energy perfor- sections and 11 appendices. The appendices are included for
mance information associated with a building involved in a informational purposes only and are not part of the procedures
commercial real estate transaction; (2)facilitateconsistencyin prescribed in this practice.
the collection, compilation, analysis, and reporting of building
Section 1 Describes the scope of the practice.
Section 2 Identifies referenced documents.
Section 3 Provides terminology pertinent to the practice.
Section 4 Discusses the significance and use of the practice.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E50 on Environ- Section 5 Discusses the relationship between this practice and
ASTM Guide E2018 or ASTM Practice E1527.
mental Assessment, Risk Management and Corrective Action and is the direct
Section 6 Describes the user’s responsibilities under this practice.
responsibility of Subcommittee E50.02 on Real Estate Assessment and Manage-
Section 7 Describes the BEPA process.
ment.
Section 8 Describes the site visit and walk-through.
Current edition approved April 1, 2022. Published June 2022. Originally
Section 9 Discusses interviews with owner, operator,or key site
approved in 2011. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as E2797–15. DOI:
manager.
10.1520/E2797–22.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2797 − 22
2. Referenced Documents
Section 10 Describes records collection for the BEPA process.
Section 11 Provides the records analysis methodology for building
2.1 ASTM Standards:
energy consumption data.
Section 12 Focuses on BEPA report preparation and reporting of E1527PracticeforEnvironmentalSiteAssessments:PhaseI
building energy consumption information.
Environmental Site Assessment Process
Section 13 Identifies non-scope considerations.
E2018Guide for Property ConditionAssessments: Baseline
Appendix X1 Provides the legal background on federal, state, or local
building energy consumption disclosure legislation and
Property Condition Assessment Process
regulation.
2.2 Other Standards:
Appendix X2 Identifies building energy performance and sustainability
ASHRAE, 2011,Procedures for Commercial Building En-
labeling programs.
Appendix X3 Discusses government and utility energy efficiency incen-
ergy Audits, Second Edition
tives and grants.
ASHRAE, 2012,Performance Measurement Protocols for
Appendix X4 Provides guidance on suggested qualifications for the
Commercial Buildings: Best Practices Guide
consultant conducting the BEPA.
Appendix X5 Information that can be collected from the property
ASHRAE Building Energy Quotient, www.ashrae.org/
owner/operator/key site manager.
buildingEQ
Appendix X6 Provides a recommended table of contents and report
ASHRAE Standard 211-2018,Standard for Commercial
format for the BEPA.
Appendix X7 Provides general property types with categories and sub-
Building Energy Audits
categories that can impact building energy consumption.
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 105-2014Standard Method of
Appendix X8 Provides a general commercial building survey checklist.
Determining,ExpressingandComparingBuildingEnergy
Appendix X9 Presents carbon emission estimation methodology asso-
ciated with combustion processes related to energy con-
Performance and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
sumption in a commercial building.
DSIREDatabase of Federal, State, Local Government and
Appendix X10 Provides common no-cost/low-cost energy saving mea-
Utility Incentives for Renewable Energy and Energy
sures for commercial buildings.
Appendix X11 Provides illustrative example of building site energy con-
Efficiency (http://www.dsireusa.org)
sumption calculations.
ISO 52000-1:2017,Energy Performance of Buildings
1.7 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be
3. Terminology
regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are
mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for 3.1 Definitions—This section provides definitions and de-
information only and are not considered standard. scriptions of terms used in this practice, terms used in this
practice extracted from Practice E1527 and Guide E2018, and
1.8 This practice cannot replace education or experience
alistofacronymsforkeywordsusedinthispractice.Theterms
and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment.
are an integral part of this practice and are critical to an
Not all aspects of this practice may be applicable in all
understanding of the practice and its use.
circumstances. This ASTM standard practice is not intended to
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
represent or replace the standard of care by which the
3.2.1 appropriate reporting, n—represents a standardized
adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor
way to report building energy performance information col-
should this practice be applied without consideration of a
lected in accordance with and under the specific conditions
building’s many unique aspects. The word “standard” in the
identified in this practice to parties including, but not limited
title means only that the practice has been approved through
to, prospective purchasers, owners, property managers,
the ASTM consensus process.
lenders, tenants, investors, or others, including government or
1.9 Nothing in this practice is intended to create or imply
regulatory entities, that may request such information.
the existence of a legal obligation for reporting of energy,
3.2.2 building energy performance, n—a building’s total
performance, or other building-related information. Any con-
annual energy consumption and cost for electricity and fuel
sideration of whether such an obligation exists under any
used for heating, cooling and other energy-related uses.
federal, state, local, or common law is beyond the scope of this
3.2.3 building energy performance assessment, BEPA,
practice.
n—the process as described in this practice by which a person
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the
orentitycollects,analyzesandreportsonthe energy consump-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
tion and energy cost associated with a building. The output
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
fromtheprocessisthe pro forma building energy consumption
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
and the pro forma building energy cost, which are considered
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.11 This international standard was developed in accor-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Available from American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE), 1791 Tullie Circle, NE, Atlanta, GA
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 30329, http://www.ashrae.org.
E2797 − 22
representative for the building at the time the assessment is 3.2.9 easily visible, adj—describes observations of items,
performed. Also provided is a reasonable range for building components and systems that are conspicuous, apparent, and
energy consumption and energy cost. Finally, the process
obvious during the walk-through without: intrusion, relocation
provides the actual building energy consumption and cost over
or removal of materials, exploratory probing, use of special
the time period included in the investigation.A BEPA is based
protective clothing, or use of any equipment (such as hand
upon data collected over the prior three years, or back to the
tools, meters of any kind, ladders, and so forth). (Refer to
last major renovation if completed less than three years ago,
Guide E2018.)
with one year minimum. If acceptable data is not available for
3.2.10 energy consumption, n—total quantity of energy
the minimum of one year, a BEPA cannot be conducted as
applied to a site, a facility, or a building for powering and
prescribed in this standard.
sustaining all end-uses including energy generated by renew-
3.2.4 commercial real estate, n—improved real property,
able sources. Such energy may include electricity, natural gas,
except a dwelling or property with four or less dwelling units
heating oil, district steam, district hot water, district cooling
exclusively for residential use. The term includes, but is not
water, propane, and so forth, used by a facility for heating,
limited to, improved real property used for retail, office,
cooling, ventilation, lighting, or powering other end uses in a
industrial, hospitality, agricultural, or other commercial, medi-
building, with energy generated by renewable energy sources
cal or educational purposes; property used for residential
such as solar, wind or fuel cells separately identified (as these
purposesthathasmorethanfourresidentialdwellingunits;and
maybenettedoutwhendeterminingbuilding energy consump-
property with four or less dwelling units for residential use
tion). The units of total building energy consumption are
when it has a commercial function, as in the construction of
typically in thousand of Btu per year (kBtu/yr). Energy
such dwellings for profit. (Refer to Practice E1527.)
consumption as described in this practice refers to site energy
3.2.5 commercial real estate transaction, n—a transfer of
consumption.
title to or possession of commercial real estate, rental of space
3.2.11 energy consumption equation, n—relates the depen-
in commercial real estate under a lease for a set period of time
dent variable, a building’s total site energy consumption,
in return for consideration, a transfer of a leasehold interest in
including electricity and on-site fuel/district energy
commercial real estate, or receipt of a security interest in
consumption, to independent variables whose variability is
commercial real estate, except that it does not include such
known to impact materially a building’s energy consumption.
transactions with respect to an individual dwelling, or a
Independent variables may, for example, include weather
building containing four or less dwelling units, unless used for
conditions (HDD and CDD), operating hours for the building,
commercial purposes such as the operation of such dwellings
occupancy (or vacancy) rate, and number of occupants. Inde-
for profit. (Refer to Practice E1527.)
pendent variables may also include any other variables judged
3.2.6 cooling degree-days (CDD), n—for each day with an
to have a material influence on building energy consumption
average temperature higher than 65°F (18.3°C), CDD is the
and deemed by the BEPA consultant to be available,
difference between the average temperature and 65 °F
appropriate,andrelevantfortheanalysis.The energy consump-
(18.3°C). For example, on a day with a mean temperature of
tion equation for a building may be calculated for a building’s
80°F (26.6°C), 15 CDD would be recorded. CDD data by
total energy consumption, for example, combined electricity
month and region is published by the Energy Information
and fuel, or separately for the building’s electricity use and for
Administration. CDD historical data by month and region is
the building’s fuel use.
published by the National Oceanic andAtmosphericAdminis-
tration’s(NOAA)NationalWeatherServiceClimatePrediction 3.2.12 energy consumption intensity (ECI), n—total build-
Center, Camp Springs, MD for 200 major weather stations
ing energy consumption divided by the building’s gross floor
around the country, and by others, including NOAA’s National area. The units of building energy consumption intensity are
Climatic Data Center in Ashville, NC. Information is also
typically kBtu/SF-yr. ECI is associated with a building of a
available at http://www.degreedays.net.
specific property type with specific characteristics or other
factors that may facilitate comparison with similar type build-
3.2.7 data gap, n—lack of or inability to obtain information
ingswithsimilarcharacteristics(seeAppendixX7forasample
required by this practice despite good faith efforts by the
checklist of building characteristics that can impact energy
person or entity seeking to gather such information. Data gaps
consumption associated with select building types). ECI as
may result from incompleteness in any of the activities
described in this practice is determined on a site energy
required by this practice, including, but not limited to the
consumptionbasis. Energy consumption intensityhasalsobeen
collection of records data (for example, an inability to collect
referred to as energy consumption intensity (EUI).
energy consumption data back three years, or to the last major
renovation if it occurred less than three years ago, or a
3.2.13 environmental site assessment (ESA), n—process by
minimum of one year’s data), and interviews (for example, an
which a person or entity observes a property, interviews
inability to interview the key site manager, and so forth).
knowledgeable ownersor operators and state regulatory
(Refer to Practice E1527.)
personnel, collects and reviews reasonably ascertainable gov-
3.2.8 district energy, n—is secondary energy that is gener- ernment and historical property records for the purpose of
identifying if a recognized environmental condition exists at
atedoffsiteanddeliveredtoafacilityintheformofsteam,hot
water, or chilled water. the property. The ESA process is detailed in Practice E1527.
E2797 − 22
3.2.14 good faith, n—absence of any intention to seek an quotientisinunitsofkBtu/SF-yr,alsoreferredtoasthe energy
unfair advantage or to defraud another party; an honest and consumption intensity.
sincere intention to fulfill one’s obligations in the conduct of a
3.2.23 observation, n—visual note of specific items,
transaction. (Refer to Practice E1527.)
systems, conditions, or components that are observed during a
3.2.15 gross floor area (GFA), n—area on all floor levels walk-through. (Refer to Guide E2018.)
within the perimeter of the outside walls of a building as
3.2.24 occupancy, n—occupied tenant space in a building.
measured from the inside surface of the exterior walls, with no
The occupancy rate generally refers to the occupied space in a
deduction for hallways, stairs, closets, columns, or other
building divided by the total space available to be occupied,
interior features, excluding parking area. Gross floor area is
generally represented as a percentage. Leased space is not
distinguished from the leasable or rentable area, which is the
always occupied space, as the tenant may have left the space,
occupied area on all floor levels for which a tenant is charged
but may still be paying the monthly lease cost under terms of
for occupancy under a lease. Leasable area may exclude
the lease agreement.
common areas (such as lobbies and foyers, stairways and
3.2.25 occupants, n—those tenants, subtenants, or other
elevators, corridors and passages, mechanical rooms, rest
persons or entities using the property or a portion of the
rooms, and so forth). Only gross floor area is used in the
property. (Refer to Practice E1527.)
energymetricsassociatedwiththispractice,forexample,inthe
3.2.26 operator, n—person responsible for, or the desig-
determination of energy consumption intensity.
nated representative of the organization responsible for the
3.2.16 heating degree-days (HDD), n—foreachdaywithan
overall operation of a property. (Refer to Practice E1527.)
average temperature lower than 65°F (18.3°C), HDD is the
3.2.27 owner, n—generally the fee owner of record of the
differencebetweentheaveragetemperatureand65°F(18.3°C).
property. (Refer to Practice E1527.)
For example, on a day with a mean temperature of 40°F
(4.4°C), 25 HDD would be recorded. HDD data by month and
3.2.28 practically reviewable, adj—information that is pro-
region is published by the Energy InformationAdministration.
vided by the source in a manner and in a form that, upon
HDD historical data by month and region is published by
examination, yields information relevant to the property with-
NOAA’s National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center,
out the need for extraordinary analysis of irrelevant data.
Camp Springs, MD for 200 major weather stations around the
(Refer to Practice E1527.)
country, and by others, including NOAA’s National Climatic
3.2.29 primary energy, n—raw fuel, such as natural gas or
Data Center in Ashville, NC. Information is also available at
fueloil,thatisburnedonsiteatabuildingtocreateheatand/or
http://www.degreedays.net.
electricity.
3.2.17 heating value, n—amount of heat produced by the
3.2.30 pro forma building energy consumption, n—building
complete combustion of a unit quantity of fuel. For the
energy consumption (e.g., kBtu) determined from the energy
purposes of this practice, higher heating value (HHV) is used
consumption equation using the mean values for the indepen-
to convert the quantity of fuel to its energy content.
dentvariables,orthetrailingtwelvemonthsofbuilding energy
3.2.18 interviews, n—discussionswiththoseknowledgeable
consumption data if the independent variables identified in
about the property. (Refer to Guide E2018.)
subsection 11.4.1 are within 15% of the mean. Pro forma
building energy consumption is considered representative of
3.2.19 key site manager, n—person identified by the owner
annual building energy consumption at the time of the com-
or operator of a property as having knowledge of the physical
mercial real estate transaction and is sometimes referred to as
and operational characteristics of the building or buildings on
normalized building energy consumption. Pro forma building
a property. (Refer to Practice E1527.)
energy consumption is designed to reduce the influence [on
3.2.20 lower limit scenario, n—with respect to building
building energy consumption] of biases such as unusual
energy consumptionor ECI,areasonablelowerlimitfor energy
weather conditions (for example, an unusually warm winter or
consumption or ECI at the building (see subsection 11.4.1.4).
cool summer) or unusual building operational conditions (for
The lower limit scenario is determined using the 25th percen-
example, an unusually high vacancy rate), etc.
tile for HDD, CDD and all other independent variables in the
3.2.31 pro forma building energy consumption intensity,
building energy consumption equation.
n—building energy consumption intensity (e.g., kBtu/SF) de-
3.2.21 major renovation, n—building renovation that either
termined from the energy consumption equation using the
involves expansion (or reduction) of the building’s gross floor
mean values for the independent variables, or the trailing
area by 10% or more or impacts total building energy
twelvemonthsofbuilding energy consumption intensitydataif
consumption by more than 10%.
the independent variables identified in subsection 11.4.1 are
3.2.22 normalize, v—to reduce to a norm, such as normal- within15%ofthemean. Pro forma building energy consump-
izing building energy consumption by removing the influence tion intensity is considered representative of annual building
of weather or building gross floor area or other conditions energy consumption intensityatthetimeofthe commercial real
(referred to as normalizing factors). For example, to normalize estate transaction and is sometimes referred to as the normal-
a building’s energy consumption (in kBtu/yr) using the build- izedbuilding energy consumption intensity. Pro forma building
ing’s gross floor area (in square feet), divide building energy energy consumption intensity is designed to reduce the influ-
consumption by the gross floor area. The resulting normalized ence[onbuilding energy consumption intensity]ofbiasessuch
E2797 − 22
as unusual weather conditions (for example, an unusually 3.2.39.1 Discussion—The term does not include coal, natu-
warm winter or cool summer) or unusual building operational ral gas, oil, propane or any other fossil fuel, or nuclear energy.
conditions (for example, an unusually high vacancy rate), etc. Renewable energy systems may also be referred to as alterna-
tive energy systems.
3.2.32 pro forma building energy cost, n—obtained by
dividing actual trailing 12 month total cost ($) associated with
3.2.40 report, n—written information prepared by a quali-
each energy source used at the building by the associated
fied consultant or individualandconstitutinganintegralpartof
energy consumptionofthesource(kBtu/yr),andthensumming
a Building Energy Performance Assessment as required by this
these values to get the total trailing 12 month building energy
practice.
costmultiplier($/kBtu/yr).Thetotaltrailing12monthbuilding
3.2.41 reporting period—the period over which the amount
energy cost multiplier is then multiplied by the average case
of building energy consumption and costs are evaluated after
scenario for annual site energy consumption (see subsection
the installation of energy conservation and/or renewable en-
11.4.1.4(1)). Pro forma building energy cost is considered
ergy measures.
representative of average annual building energy cost at the
3.2.42 secondary energy, n—energy product (heat or elec-
time of the commercial real estate transaction. Pro forma
tricity) created from a raw fuel, such as electricity purchased
building energy cost is designed to reduce the influence [on
from the grid or energy (heat or cooling) received from a
building energy cost] of biases such as unusual weather
district system.
conditions (for example, an unusually warm winter or cool
summer) or unusual building operational conditions (for 3.2.43 site energy consumption, n—amount of heat and
electricity consumed by a building as reflected in its utility/
example, an unusually high vacancy rate), etc. Pro forma
building energy cost may also be determined on square foot energy bills or on-site generation or both, if any. Site energy
consumption may also be referred to as building energy
(gross floor area) basis.
consumption. Site energymaybedeliveredtoabuildinginone
3.2.33 property condition assessment, n—process by which
of two forms: primary energy or secondary energy or both.
a person or entity observes a property, interviews sources, and
Energy consumption and the methodology developed in this
reviewsavailabledocumentationforthepurposeofdeveloping
practice are based upon site energy consumption.
an opinion about a property’s current physical condition. A
3.2.43.1 Discussion—Site energy consumption is different
property condition assessment is detailed in Guide E2018.
from source energy consumption. Source energy consumption
3.2.34 qualified consultant or individual, n—person having
represents the total amount of raw fuel that is required to meet
the education, training, and experience necessary for the
a building’s energy needs and incorporates transmission,
conduct of this practice (see also Appendix X4). The person
delivery, and production losses at/from the source (such as the
may be an independent contractor or an employee of the user.
localpowerplant).Whilesourceenergyisnotspecificallyused
3.2.35 real estate transaction, n—transfer of title to or
in the methodology associated with this practice, it is used by
possession of real estate, rental of space in real estate under a
U.S. EPA to determine a building’s greenhouse gas (carbon)
lease for a set period of time in return for consideration, a
emissions associated with combustion processes (refer to
transfer of a leasehold interesting real estate, or receipt of a
Appendix X9).
security interest in real estate.
3.2.44 site visit, n—that part of the practice contained in
3.2.36 reasonably ascertainable, adj—information that is
Section 8 during which the qualified consultant’s or individu-
readily available, practically reviewable, and available at a
al’s walk-through of the property takes place.
nominal cost for retrieval, reproduction, or forwarding. (Refer
3.2.45 total energy consumption, n—sum of all energy
to Practice E1527.)
consumed in the building, including purchased energy plus
3.2.37 readily accessible, adj—describes easily visibleareas
energy consumed on-site. Energy produced by the renewable
of a property that are promptly made available for observation
energy systems is identified separately and may be netted out
by the qualified consultant or individual conducting the walk-
from building total energy consumption.
through and do not require removal or relocation of materials
3.2.46 upper limit scenario, n—with respect to building
or personal property, such as furniture, floor, wall, or ceiling
energy consumptionor ECI,areasonableupperlimitfor energy
coverings; and that are safely accessible. (Refer to Guide
consumption or ECI at the building (see subsection 11.4.1.4).
E2018.)
The upper limit scenario is determined using the 75th percen-
3.2.38 readily available, adv—describes information or re-
tilefor HDD, CDD,andallotherindependentvariablesusedin
cords that are easily and promptly provided by a source to the
the building energy consumption equation.
individualmakingarequestthroughanappropriateinquiryand
3.2.47 user, n—party seeking to use this practice to com-
without the need to research archive files. (Refer to Practice
plete a building energy performance assessment.A user may
E1527.)
include, without limitation, a potential purchaser of the
3.2.39 renewable energy, n—means a source of energy that
property, a potential tenant of the property, an owner of the
occurs naturally or is regenerated naturally, including, without
property, a lender or a property manager.
limitation: (a) Biomass; (b) Fuel cells; (c) Geothermal energy;
(d) Solar energy; (e) Waste heat (such as produced in a 3.2.48 utility-energy bills/utility-energy data, n—invoices
combined heat and power system); (f) Waterpower (hydro); from companies that provide energy to a building, including
and (g) Wind. utility/energycompanies,suchasthosethatprovideelectricity,
E2797 − 22
natural gas, district steam, district hot water, or district chilled 4.1.1 A number of states including CA, CO, WA and NJ,
water to a property, and companies that deliver oil, propane, and more than three dozen cities, county and municipal
kerosene, coal, coke, wood, or other fuels used at the building. governments, including Ann Arbor, MI, Atlanta, GA, Austin,
TX, Berkeley, CA, Bloomington, MN, Boston, MA, Boulder,
3.2.49 vacancy, n—empty or unoccupied tenant space in a
CO, Cambridge, MA, Chicago, IL, Chula Vista, CA,
building. The vacancy rate generally refers to the empty or
Columbus, OH, Denver, CO, Des Moines, IA, Edina, MN,
unoccupied space in a building divided by the total space
Evanston, IL, Fort Collins, CO, Indianapolis, IN, Kansas City,
availabletobeoccupied,generallyrepresentedasapercentage.
MO, Los Angeles, CA, Miami, FL, Minneapolis, MN, Mont-
If a tenant has left a space but still continues to pay rent on the
gomery County, MD, New York City, NY, Orlando, FL,
vacated space in accordance with his or her lease obligation,
Philadelphia, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, Portland, ME, Portland, OR,
thespaceisconsideredvacantforthepurposesofthispractice.
Reno, NV, Salt Lake City, UT, San Diego, CA, San Francisco,
3.2.50 walk-through, n—conducted during the site visit
CA,SanJose,CA,Seattle,WA,SouthPortland,ME,St.Louis,
consisting of easily visible observations of readily accessible
MO, St. Louis Park, MN, St. Paul, MN and Washington, D.C.
major building components and systems that can impact
havebuildingenergyperformancebenchmarkingandreporting
building energy consumption.
policies. Users in these locations must comply with applicable
3.3 Acronyms and Abbreviations: ordinances and regulations.
3.3.1 ASHRAE—American Society of Heating, Refrigerat-
4.2 Clarifications on Use:
ing and Air-Conditioning Engineers
4.2.1 Use in Conjunction with E2018 PCA or E1527 ESA—
3.3.2 ASTM—ASTM International
This practice, when added as a supplemental scope of work to
3.3.3 BEPA—Building energy performance assessment
a E2018 PCA or a E1527 ESA, is designed to assist the user
3.3.4 BTU—British thermal units
and consultant in developing information about energy con-
3.3.5 CDD—Cooling degree days
sumption in a building or buildings involved in a real estate
3.3.6 ECI—Energy consumption intensity (typically in units
transaction. The BEPA also has utility to a wide range of
of kBtu/SF)
persons, including those who may not be involved in a real
3.3.7 ECM—Energy conservation measure
estate transaction.
3.3.8 EPA—U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
4.2.2 Independent Use—This practice may also be used
3.3.9 ESA—Environmental site assessment
independently of any other building assessment to determine
3.3.10 GFA—Gross floor area associated with a building
building energy performance.
3.3.11 GHG—Greenhouse gas
4.2.3 Site-Specific—Thispracticeisproperty-specificinthat
3.3.12 GWh—Gigawatt (10 Watt) hour
itrelatestoexisting building energy performance.Thepractice
3.3.13 HDD—Heating degree days
isnotintendedtoreplaceE2018 PCAorE1527 ESAconducted
3.3.14 HHV—Higher heating value
by a qualified consultant or individual, but rather to supple-
3.3.15 HVAC—Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
3 ment it.
3.3.16 kBtu—Kilo (10 ) British thermal units (Btu)
3.3.17 kW—kilowatt (10 Watt) 4.3 Who May Conduct—A BEPA shall be performed by a
3.3.18 kWh—kilowatt (10 Watt) hour qualified consultant or individual (hereafter referred to as the
3.3.19 MBtu—million (10 ) British thermal units (Btu) “Consultant”) with the education, training and experience
3.3.20 MWh—megawatt (10 watt) hour necessary to perform the requirements of this practice (see
Appendix X4). No practical approach can be designed to
3.3.21 NERC—North America Electric Reliability Council
3.3.22 NOAA—National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin- eliminate the role of professional judgment and the value and
need for experience in the individual performing the inquiry.
istration
Theprofessionalexperienceofthe Consultantis,consequently,
3.3.23 NOI—Net operating income
important to the performance of this BEPA.
3.3.24 OCC—Occupancy
3.3.25 PCA—Property condition assessment
4.4 Additional Services—As set forth in Section 13, addi-
3.3.26 ROI—Return on investment
tional services may be contracted for between the user and the
3.3.27 SF—Square foot [gross square feet of building]
Consultant. Such additional services may include issues not
included within the scope of this practice. For example, the
4. Significance and Use
useror Consultantmaywishtobenchmarkthebuildingagainst
similar buildings in the portfolio or in the same geographical
4.1 Uses—This practice is intended for use on a voluntary
area or identify select green building attributes that may
basisbypartieswhowishtoconducta BEPAonabuilding.The
contribute to the energy efficiency performance and/or the
process defined in this practice involves the collection of
building’s valuation.
building energy consumption information, some of which may
becollectedaspartofE2018 PCAorE1527 ESA.Thepractice 4.4.1 Benchmarking Additional Service—Any benchmark-
is intended primarily as an approach to conducting a standard- ing system selected relies on critical data in generating its
izedinquirydesignedtoidentifyrepresentative building energy output, so the validity of the data collection process directly
performance in connection with a commercial property in- impacts the integrity and usefulness of the benchmarking
volved in a real estate transaction.This practice is intended to system’s results. Utilization of this practice and adoption of its
reflect a commercially practical and reasonable inquiry. data collection approach can serve to enhance the integrity of
E2797 − 22
the benchmarking process for all transactional stakeholders in theenvironmentalconditionoftheproperty,includingwhether
a standardized, fully transparent, uniform, and consistent known or suspect environmental contamination is associated
manner. Notwithstanding, building energy consumption infor- withtheproperty.Building energy consumptioncanimpactthe
mationshouldalwaysbeevaluatedwithinthecontextinwhich environment by directly or indirectly contributing to carbon
it is collected and building energy consumption numbers emissions that may contribute to climate change. While Prac-
should not be used without conveying this context. (Refer to tice E1527 includes a building walk-through, interviews with
Appendix X1 for additional information.) key site personnel and collection of select building
characteristics, it does not include the collection of building
4.5 Principles—Thefollowingprinciplesareanintegralpart
energy consumption information. This practice is intended to
of this practice and are intended to be referred to in resolving
supplement Practice E1527 when a user requests that building
any ambiguity or exercising such discretion as is accorded the
energy performance information be included in the ESA.
user or Consultant in performing a BEPA.
5.3 BEPA—This practice is intended to be used indepen-
4.5.1 Uncertainty Not Eliminated in BEPA—No BEPA prac-
tice can wholly eliminate uncertainty in determining the dently or as a supplement to E2018 PCA or E1527 ESA.
myriad of variables that can impact the energy consumption of 5.3.1 The BEPAmaybeconductedconcurrentlywithE2018
a building on a property. The BEPA is intended to reduce, but PCA or E1527 ESA.
not eliminate, uncertainty regarding the impact such variables 5.3.2 The BEPA may be conducted independently of E2018
can have on the energy consumption of a building.
PCA or E1527 ESA. When conducting a BEPA independent of
4.5.2 Not Exhaustive—This practice is not meant to be an E2018 PCA or E1527 ESA, the data requirements specified in
exhaustive assessment. There is a point at which the cost of this practice shall be collected.
information obtained or the time required to gather it out-
weighs the usefulness of the information and, in fact, may be 6. User Responsibilities
a material detriment to the orderly completion of a real estate
6.1 Scope—The purpose of this section is to describe tasks
transaction. One of the purposes of this practice is to identify
to be performed by the user that will assist the Consultant
a balance between the competing goals of limiting the costs
conducting the BEPA on a building connected to a real estate
and time demands inherent in performing a BEPA and the
transaction. These tasks do not require the technical expertise
reduction of uncertainty about unknown conditions resulting
of a Consultant and are generally not performed by Consul-
from collecting additional information.
tantsperforminga PCAor ESA,unlessdirectedtodosobythe
4.5.3 Level of Inquiry is Variable—Not every building will
user.Ina real estate transaction, it is common for the user to
warrant the same level of assessment. The appropriate level of
be the prospective property purchaser (the buyer), with the
assessment will be guided by the type of property subject to
Consultant working for this user. The user may also be an
assessment and its complexity, the needs of the user, and the
existing or prospective tenant at the property.
informationalreadyavailableordevelopedinthecourseofthe
6.1.1 Discussion—Notwithstanding, the relevant informa-
inquiry.
tion about the building is best obtained from the property
4.6 Rules of Engagement—The contractual and legal obli-
owner (the seller), or operator, and/or key site manager.As
gations between a Consultant and a user (and other parties, if such, it is not unusual to find the user requesting information
any) are outside the scope of this practice. No specific legal
directly from the seller, with the understanding that such
relationship between the Consultant and user was considered person is under no legal obligation to provide the information.
during the preparation of this practice.
It is also not unusual to find the user requesting the Consultant
to obtain the information needed directly from the seller (that
5. Relationship to E2018 PCA and E1527 ESA is, as part of the PCA or ESA process). If the property owner
(e.g., seller) is unwilling to provide building energy consump-
5.1 Building Energy Performance Data Collected in Guide
tion and cost information, a BEPA cannot be performed.
E2018—ASTM Guide E2018 is directed principally at the
Appendix X5 provides a sample of information that may be
physicalstatusofabuildingandassociatedproperty,including
collected from the property owner, operator or key site
the building’s structure, electrical and mechanical systems,
manager and which can assist the user and/or the Consultant
heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC),
gathering information on the building that may be material to
roofing and plumbing systems, code compliance, parking lot,
the BEPA in connection with the real estate transaction.
and sidewalk physical condition, with the objective of identi-
fying deficiencies and the associated probable cost to remedy 6.2 Specialized Knowledge or Experience of the User—If
these deficiencies. While Guide E2018 does include identifi- the user has any specialized knowledge or experience that is
cation of utilities provided to the property for heating, material to the BEPA in connection with the building, it is the
ventilation, and cooling equipment and other energy-related user’sresponsibilitytocommunicateanyinformationbasedon
uses, it does not include the collection of building energy such specialized knowledge or experience to the Consultant
consumption information. This practice is intended to supple- before the Consultant conducts the BEPA.
ment Guide E2018 when a user requests that building energy
6.3 Non-responsiveness—If the user is unable to obtain the
performance information be included in the PCA.
information requested directly from the property owner (or
5.2 Building Energy Performance Data Collected in Prac- seller in a real estate transaction) or a designated
tice E1527—ASTM Practice E1527 is directed principally at representative, the user shall request authorization from the
E2797 − 22
property ownerforthe Consultanttocollecttheinformation,if 7.2.1.4 Records review and analysis—Review and analysis
available, through an interview process with the property of records necessary to conduct the BEPA; see Section 11.
manager, operator, and/or the key site manager, and/or
7.2.1.5 Report—On the findings related to building energy
through a request to the responsible utility or energy provider consumption and energy cost; see Section 12.
or both. If the property owner (e.g., seller) is unwilling to
7.3 Coordination of Parts:
provide building energy consumption and cost information, a
7.3.1 Parts Used in Concert—Datacollectedareintendedto
BEPA cannot be performed.
be used in concert with each other. If information from one
6.4 Other—Either the user shall make known to the Con-
source (for example, the records received) indicates the need
sultant the reason why the user wants to have the BEPA
for more information, other sources (for example, the inter-
performed (such as, for example, to meet a regulatory require-
views) may be available to provide this information.
ment or a financing requirement or a due diligence require-
7.3.2 User’s Obligations—The Consultant shall note in the
ment)or,ifthe userdoesnotidentifythepurposeofthe BEPA,
report whether or not the user has provided the Consultant
the Consultantshallassumethepurposeistoevaluate building
with information pursuant to Section 6 of this practice.
energy performance for the user. The user and the Consultant
7.4 Consultant Conducting a BEPA:
mayalsoneedtomodifythescopeofservicesperformedunder
7.4.1 Consultant’s Duties—The BEPAshallbeperformedby
this practice for special circumstances, including, but not
a qualified Consultant or individual (the “Consultant”) or
limited to, unique local or site-specific conditions.
performed by others under the supervision of the Consultant.
6.5 Non-existent Legal Obligation—Nothing in this practice
This can be the same individual(s) responsible for conducting
is intended to create or imply the existence of a legal obligation
the E2018 PCA or E152
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E2797 − 15 E2797 − 22
Standard Practice for
Building Energy Performance Assessment for a Building
Involved in a Real Estate Transaction
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2797; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 Purpose—The purpose of this standard is to define a commercially useful practice in the United States of America for
conducting a building energy performance assessment (BEPA) on a building involved in a commercial real estate transaction and
subsequent reporting of the building energy performance information. The practice is intended to provide a methodology to the
user for the collection, compilation, analysis, and reporting of building energy performance information associated with a
commercial building. The practice may be used independently or as a voluntary supplement to Guide E2018 for property condition
assessments or Practice E1527 for Phase I environmental site assessments. Utilization of this practice and performance of a BEPA
is voluntary. If the property owner (e.g., (for example, the seller) is unwilling or unable to provide building energy useconsumption
and cost information, a BEPA cannot be performed.
1.2 Building Energy Performance—This practice defines building energy performance as the building’s total annual energy
useconsumption and cost for heating, cooling, electricity, and other related uses. Energy use,consumption, for example, includes
total electricity purchased; purchased or delivered steam, hot water, or chilled water; natural gas; fuel oil; coal; propane; biomass;
or any other matter consumed as fuel and any electricity generated on site from renewable/alternative energy systems (for example,
wind energy generator technology, fuel cells, microturbines or solar photovoltaic systems).
1.3 Objectives—Objectives in the development of this practice are to: (1) define a commercially useful practice for collecting,
compiling, and analyzing building energy performance information associated with a building involved in a commercial real estate
transaction; (2) facilitate consistency in the collection, compilation, analysis, and reporting of building energy performance
information as may be required under building benchmarking, labeling, disclosure, or mandatory auditing regulations; (3)
supplement as needed a property condition assessment conducted in accordance with Guide E2018 or an environmental site
assessment conducted in accordance with Practice E1527; (4) provide that the process for building energy performance data
collection, compilation, analysis, and reporting is consistent, transparent, practical and reasonable; and (5) provide an industry
standard for the conduct of a BEPA on a building involved in a commercial real estate transaction, subject to existing statutes and
regulations which may differ in terms of scope and practice.
1.4 Documentation—The scope of this practice includes data collection, compilation and reporting requirements. Documentation
of all sources, records, and resources relied upon in the investigation is provided in the report.
1.5 Considerations Outside the Scope—The use of this practice is limited to the collection, compilation, and analysis of building
energy performance information as defined by this practice. practice for real estate transactions in the United States of America.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E50 on Environmental Assessment, Risk Management and Corrective Action and is the direct responsibility
of Subcommittee E50.02 on Real Estate Assessment and Management.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2015April 1, 2022. Published December 2015June 2022. Originally approved in 2011. Last previous edition approved in 20112015 as
E2797–11.–15. DOI: 10.1520/E2797–15.10.1520/E2797–22.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2797 − 22
While this information may be used to facilitate building benchmarking, labeling, rating or ranking, reporting of building energy
performance information between a seller and a buyer or a landlord and a tenant on a voluntary basis or as may be required by
building benchmarking, labeling, disclosure or mandatory auditing regulations applicable to the building, or any other use, such
use is beyond the scope of this practice. This ASTM Standard Practice does not supersede existing statutes and regulations.
1.6 Organization of This Practice—This practice has 13 sections and 11 appendices. The appendices are included for informational
purposes only and are not part of the procedures prescribed in this practice.
Section 1 Describes the scope of the practice.
Section 2 Identifies referenced documents.
Section 3 Provides terminology pertinent to the practice.
Section 4 Discusses the significance and use of the practice.
Section 5 Discusses the relationship between this practice and
ASTM Guide E2018 or ASTM Practice E1527.
Section 6 Describes the user’s responsibilities under this practice.
Section 7 Describes the BEPA process.
Section 8 Describes the site visit and walk-through.
Section 9 Discusses interviews with owner,operator, or key site
manager.
Section 10 Describes records collection for the BEPA process.
Section 11 Provides the records analysis methodology for building
energy use data.
Section 11 Provides the records analysis methodology for building
energy consumption data.
Section 12 Focuses on BEPA report preparation and reporting of
building energy use information.
Section 12 Focuses on BEPA report preparation and reporting of
building energy consumption information.
Section 13 Identifies non-scope considerations.
Appendix X1 Provides the legal background on federal, state, or local
building energy use disclosure legislation and regulation.
Appendix X1 Provides the legal background on federal, state, or local
building energy consumption disclosure legislation and
regulation.
Appendix X2 Identifies building energy performance and sustainability
labeling programs.
Appendix X3 Discusses government and utility energy efficiency incen-
tives and grants.
Appendix X4 Provides guidance on suggested qualifications for the
consultant conducting the BEPA.
Appendix X5 Information that can be collected from the property
owner/operator/key site manager.
Appendix X6 Provides a recommended table of contents and report
format for the BEPA.
Appendix X7 Provides general property types with categories and sub-
categories that can impact building energy use.
Appendix X7 Provides general property types with categories and sub-
categories that can impact building energy consumption.
Appendix X8 Provides a general commercial building survey checklist.
Appendix X9 Presents carbon emission estimation methodology asso-
ciated with combustion processes related to energy use
in a commercial building.
Appendix X9 Presents carbon emission estimation methodology asso-
ciated with combustion processes related to energy con-
sumption in a commercial building.
Appendix X10 Provides common no-cost/low-cost energy saving mea-
sures for commercial buildings.
Appendix X11 Provides illustrative example of building site energy use
calculations.
Appendix X11 Provides illustrative example of building site energy con-
sumption calculations.
1.7 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are
mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.8 This practice cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not
all aspects of this practice may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard practice is not intended to represent or
replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this practice be
applied without consideration of a building’s many unique aspects. The word “standard” in the title means only that the practice
has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.
E2797 − 22
1.9 Nothing in this practice is intended to create or imply the existence of a legal obligation for reporting of energy, performance,
or other building-related information. Any consideration of whether such an obligation exists under any federal, state, local, or
common law is beyond the scope of this practice.
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.11 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E1527 Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process
E2018 Guide for Property Condition Assessments: Baseline Property Condition Assessment Process
2.2 Other Standards:
ASHRAE, 2011, Procedures for Commercial Building Energy AuditsAudits, Second Edition
ASHRAE, 2010,2012, Performance Measurement Protocols for Commercial BuildingsBuildings: Best Practices Guide
ASHRAE Building Energy Quotient, www.ashrae.org/buildingEQ
ASHRAE Standard 211-2018, Standard for Commercial Building Energy Audits
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 105-2007105-2014 Standard MethodsMethod of Measuring,Determining, Expressing and Comparing
Building Energy Performance and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
DSIRE Database of Federal, State, Local Government and Utility Incentives for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
(http://www.dsireusa.org)
ISO 52000-1:2017, Energy Performance of Buildings
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—This section provides definitions and descriptions of terms used in this practice, terms used in this practice
extracted from Practice E1527 and Guide E2018, and a list of acronyms for keywords used in this practice. The terms are an
integral part of this practice and are critical to an understanding of the practice and its use.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 appropriate reporting, n—represents a standardized way to report building energy performance information collected in
accordance with and under the specific conditions identified in this practice to parties including, but not limited to, prospective
purchasers, owners, property managers, lenders, tenants, investors, or others, including government or regulatory entities, that may
request such information.
3.2.2 building energy performance, n—a building’s total annual energy useconsumption and cost for heating, cooling, and
electricity and electricity and fuel used for heating, cooling and other energy-related uses.
3.2.3 building energy performance assessment, BEPA, n—the process as described in this practice by which a person or entity
collects, analyzes and reports on the energy useconsumption and energy cost associated with a building. The output from the
process is the pro forma building energy useconsumption and the pro forma building energy cost, which are considered
representative for the building at the time the assessment is performed. Also provided is a reasonable range for building energy
useconsumption and energy cost. Finally, the process provides the actual building energy useconsumption and cost over the time
period included in the investigation. A BEPA is based upon data collected over the prior three years, or back to the last major
renovation if completed less than three years ago, with one year minimum. If acceptable data is not available for the minimum
of one year, a BEPA cannot be conducted as prescribed in this standard.
3.2.4 commercial real estate, n—improved real property, except a dwelling or property with four or less dwelling units exclusively
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE), 1791 Tullie Circle, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329,
http://www.ashrae.org.
E2797 − 22
for residential use. The term includes, but is not limited to, improved real property used for retail, office, industrial, hospitality,
agricultural, or other commercial, medical or educational purposes; property used for residential purposes that has more than four
residential dwelling units; and property with four or less dwelling units for residential use when it has a commercial function, as
in the operationconstruction of such dwellings for profit. (Refer to Practice E1527.)
3.2.5 commercial real estate transaction, n—a transfer of title to or possession of commercial real estate, rental of space in
commercial real estate under a lease for a set period of time in return for consideration, a transfer of a leasehold interest in
commercial real estate, or receipt of a security interest in commercial real estate, except that it does not include such transactions
with respect to an individual dwelling, or a building containing four or less dwelling units, unless used for commercial purposes
such as the operation of such dwellings for profit. (Refer to Practice E1527.)
3.2.6 cooling degree-days (CDD), n—for each day with an average temperature higher than 65°F (18.3°C),65 °F (18.3 °C), CDD
is the difference between the average temperature and 65°F (18.3°C).65 °F (18.3 °C). For example, on a day with a mean
temperature of 80°F (26.6°C),80 °F (26.6 °C), 15 CDD would be recorded. CDD data by month and region is published by the
Energy Information Administration. CDD historical data by month and region is published by the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, Camp Springs, MD for 200 major
weather stations around the country, and by others, including NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center in Ashville, NC. Information
is also available at http://www.degreedays.net.
3.2.7 data gap, n—lack of or inability to obtain information required by this practice despite good faith efforts by the person or
entity seeking to gather such information. Data gaps may result from incompleteness in any of the activities required by this
practice, including, but not limited to the collection of records data (for example, an inability to collect energy useconsumption data
back three years, or to the last major renovation if it occurred less than three years ago, or a minimum of one year’s data), and
interviews (for example, an inability to interview the key site manager, and so forth). (Refer to Practice E1527.)
3.2.8 district energy, n—is secondary energy that is generated off site and delivered to a facility in the form of steam, hot water,
or chilled water.
3.2.9 easily visible, adj—describes observations of items, components and systems that are conspicuous, apparent, and obvious
during the walk-through without: intrusion, relocation or removal of materials, exploratory probing, use of special protective
clothing, or use of any equipment (such as hand tools, meters of any kind, ladders, and so forth). (Refer to Guide E2018.)
3.2.10 energy use,consumption, n—total quantity of energy applied to a site, a facility, or a building for powering and sustaining
all end-uses including energy generated by renewable sources. Such energy may include electricity, natural gas, heating oil, district
steam, district hot water, district cooling water, propane, and so forth, used by a facility for heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting,
or powering other end uses in a building, with energy generated by renewable energy sources such as solar, wind or fuel cells
separately identified (as these may be netted out when determining building energy use).consumption). The units of total building
energy useconsumption are typically in thousands thousand of Btu per year (kBtu/yr). Energy useconsumption as described in this
practice refers to site energy use.consumption.
3.2.11 energy useconsumption equation, n—relates the dependent variable, a building’s total site energy use,consumption,
including electricity and on-site fuel/district energy use,consumption, to independent variables whose variability is known to
impact materially a building’s energy use.consumption. Independent variables may, for example, include weather conditions (HDD
and CDD), operating hours for the building, occupancy (or vacancy) rate, and number of occupants. Independent variables may
also include any other variables judged to have a material influence on building energy useconsumption and deemed by the BEPA
consultant to be available, appropriate, and relevant for the analysis. The energy useconsumption equation for a building may be
calculated for a building’s total energy use,consumption, for example, combined electricity and fuel, or separately for the building’s
electricity use and for the building’s fuel use.
3.2.12 energy useconsumption intensity (EUI),(ECI), n—total building energy useconsumption divided by the building’s gross
floor area. The units of building energy useconsumption intensity are typically kBtu/SF-yr. EUIECI is associated with a building
of a specific property type with specific characteristics or other factors that may facilitate comparison with similar type buildings
with similar characteristics (see Appendix X7 for a sample checklist of building characteristics that can impact energy
useconsumption associated with select building types). EUIECI as described in this practice is determined on a site energy
useconsumption basis. Energy consumption intensity has also been referred to as energy consumption intensity (EUI).
E2797 − 22
3.2.13 environmental site assessment (ESA), n—process by which a person or entity observes a property, interviews
knowledgeable owners or operators and state regulatory personnel, collects and reviews reasonably ascertainable government and
historical property records for the purpose of identifying if a recognized environmental condition exists at the property. The ESA
process is detailed in Practice E1527.
3.2.14 good faith, n—absence of any intention to seek an unfair advantage or to defraud another party; an honest and sincere
intention to fulfill one’s obligations in the conduct of a transaction. (Refer to Practice E1527.)
3.2.15 gross floor area (GFA), n—area on all floor levels within the perimeter of the outside walls of a building as measured from
the inside surface of the exterior walls, with no deduction for hallways, stairs, closets, columns, or other interior features, excluding
parking area. Gross floor area is distinguished from the leasable or rentable area, which is the occupied area on all floor levels for
which a tenant is charged for occupancy under a lease. Leasable area may exclude common areas (such as lobbies and foyers,
stairways and elevators, corridors and passages, mechanical rooms, rest rooms, and so forth). Only gross floor area is used in the
energy metrics associated with this practice, for example, in the determination of energy useconsumption intensity.
3.2.16 heating degree-days (HDD), n—for each day with an average temperature lower than 65°F (18.3°C), HDD is the difference
between the average temperature and 65°F (18.3°C). For example, on a day with a mean temperature of 40°F (4.4°C), 25 HDD
would be recorded. HDD data by month and region is published by the Energy Information Administration. HDD historical data
by month and region is published by NOAA’s National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, Camp Springs, MD for 200
major weather stations around the country, and by others, including NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center in Ashville, NC.
Information is also available at http://www.degreedays.net.
3.2.17 heating value, n—amount of heat produced by the complete combustion of a unit quantity of fuel. For the purposes of this
practice, higher heating value (HHV) is used to convert the quantity of fuel to its energy content.
3.2.18 interviews, n—discussions with those knowledgeable about the property. (Refer to Guide E2018.)
3.2.19 key site manager, n—person identified by the owner or operator of a property as having knowledge of the physical and
operational characteristics of the building or buildings on a property. (Refer to Practice E1527.)
3.2.20 lower limit scenario, n—with respect to building energy useconsumption or EUI,ECI, a reasonable lower limit for energy
useconsumption or EUIECI at the building (see subsection 11.4.1.4). The lower limit scenario is determined using the 25th
percentile for HDD,CDD and all other independent variables in the building energy useconsumption equation.
3.2.21 major renovation, n—building renovation that either involves expansion (or reduction) of the building’s gross floor area
by 10 % or more or impacts total building energy useconsumption by more than 10 %.
3.2.22 normalize, v—to reduce to a norm, such as normalizing building energy useconsumption by removing the influence of
weather or building gross floor area or other conditions (referred to as normalizing factors). For example, to normalize a building’s
energy useconsumption (in kBTU/yr)kBtu/yr) using the building’s gross floor area (in square feet), divide building energy
useconsumption by the gross floor area. The resulting normalized quotient is in units of kBtu/SF-yr, also referred to as the energy
useconsumption intensity.
3.2.23 observation, n—visual note of specific items, systems, conditions, or components that are observed during a walk-through.
(Refer to Guide E2018.)
3.2.24 occupancy, n—occupied tenant space in a building. The occupancy rate generally refers to the occupied space in a building
divided by the total space available to be occupied, generally represented as a percentage. Leased space is not always occupied
space, as the tenant may have left the space, but may still be paying the monthly lease cost under terms of the lease agreement.
3.2.25 occupants, n—those tenants, subtenants, or other persons or entities using the property or a portion of the property. (Refer
to Practice E1527.)
E2797 − 22
3.2.26 operator, n—person responsible for, or the designated representative of the organization responsible for the overall
operation of a property. (Refer to Practice E1527.)
3.2.27 owner, n—generally the fee owner of record of the property. (Refer to Practice E1527.)
3.2.28 practically reviewable, adj—information that is provided by the source in a manner and in a form that, upon examination,
yields information relevant to the property without the need for extraordinary analysis of irrelevant data. (Refer to Practice E1527.)
3.2.29 primary energy, n—raw fuel, such as natural gas or fuel oil, that is burned on site at a building to create heat and/or
electricity.
3.2.30 pro forma building energy use,consumption, n—building energy useconsumption (e.g., kBtu) determined from the energy
useconsumption equation using the mean values for the independent variables, or the trailing twelve months of building energy
useconsumption data if the independent variables identified in subsection 11.4.1 are within 15 % of the mean. Pro forma building
energy useconsumption is considered representative of annual building energy useconsumption at the time of the commercial real
estate transaction and is sometimes referred to as normalized building energy use.consumption. Pro forma building energy
useconsumption is designed to reduce the influence [on building energy useconsumption] of biases such as unusual weather
conditions (for example, an unusually warm winter or cool summer) or unusual building operational conditions (for example, an
unusually high vacancy rate), etc.
3.2.31 pro forma building energy useconsumption intensity, n—building energy useconsumption intensity (e.g., kBtu/SF)
determined from the energy useconsumption equation using the mean values for the independent variables, or the trailing twelve
months of building energy useconsumption intensity data if the independent variables identified in subsection 11.4.1 are within
15 % of the mean. Pro forma building energy useconsumption intensity is considered representative of annual building energy
useconsumption intensity at the time of the commercial real estate transaction and is sometimes referred to as the normalized
building energy useconsumption intensity.Pro forma building energy useconsumption intensity is designed to reduce the influence
[on building energy useconsumption intensity] of biases such as unusual weather conditions (for example, an unusually warm
winter or cool summer) or unusual building operational conditions (for example, an unusually high vacancy rate), etc.
3.2.32 pro forma building energy cost, n—obtained by dividing actual trailing 12 month total cost ($) associated with each energy
source used at the building by the associated energy useconsumption of the source (kBtu/yr), and then summing these values to
get the total trailing 12 month building energy cost multiplier ($/kBtu/yr). The total trailing 12 month building energy cost
multiplier is then multiplied by the average case scenario for annual site energy useconsumption (see subsection 11.4.1.4(1)). Pro
forma building energy cost is considered representative of average annual building energy cost at the time of the commercial real
estate transaction.Pro forma building energy cost is designed to reduce the influence [on building energy cost] of biases such as
unusual weather conditions (for example, an unusually warm winter or cool summer) or unusual building operational conditions
(for example, an unusually high vacancy rate), etc. Pro forma building energy cost may also be determined on square foot (gross
floor area) basis.
3.2.33 property condition assessment, n—process by which a person or entity observes a property, interviews sources, and reviews
available documentation for the purpose of developing an opinion about a property’s current physical condition. A property
condition assessment is detailed in Guide E2018.
3.2.34 qualified consultant or individual, n—person having the education, training, and experience necessary for the conduct of
this practice (see also Appendix X4). The person may be an independent contractor or an employee of the user.
3.2.35 real estate transaction, n—transfer of title to or possession of real estate, rental of space in real estate under a lease for a
set period of time in return for consideration, a transfer of a leasehold interesting real estate, or receipt of a security interest in real
estate.
3.2.36 reasonably ascertainable, adj—information that is readily available,practically reviewable, and available at a nominal cost
for retrieval, reproduction, or forwarding. (Refer to Practice E1527.)
3.2.37 readily accessible, adj—describes easily visible areas of a property that are promptly made available for observation by the
E2797 − 22
qualified consultant or individual conducting the walk-through and do not require removal or relocation of materials or personal
property, such as furniture, floor, wall, or ceiling coverings; and that are safely accessible. (Refer to Guide E2018.)
3.2.38 readily available, adv—describes information or records that are easily and promptly provided by a source to the individual
making a request through an appropriate inquiry and without the need to research archive files. (Refer to Practice E1527.)
3.2.39 renewable energy, n—means a source of energy that occurs naturally or is regenerated naturally, including, without
limitation: (a) Biomass; (b) Fuel cells; (c) Geothermal energy; (d) Solar energy; (e) Waste heat (such as produced in a combined
heat and power system); (f) Waterpower (hydro); and (g) Wind.
(a) Biomass;
(b) Fuel cells;
(c) Geothermal energy;
(d) Solar energy;
(e) Waste heat (such as produced in a combined heat and power system);
(f) Waterpower (hydro); and
(g) Wind.
3.2.39.1 Discussion—
The term does not include coal, natural gas, oil, propane or any other fossil fuel, or nuclear energy. Renewable energy systems may
also be referred to as alternative energy systems.
3.2.40 report, n—written information prepared by a qualified consultant or individual and constituting an integral part of a
Building Energy Performance Assessment as required by this practice.
3.2.41 reporting period—the period over which the amount of building energy useconsumption and costs are evaluated after the
installation of energy conservation and/or renewable energy measures.
3.2.42 secondary energy, n—energy product (heat or electricity) created from a raw fuel, such as electricity purchased from the
grid or energy (heat or cooling) received from a district system.
3.2.43 site energy use,consumption, n—amount of heat and electricity consumed by a building as reflected in its utility/energy bills
or on-site generation or both, if any. Site energy useconsumption may also be referred to as building energy use.consumption.Site
energy may be delivered to a building in one of two forms: primary energy or secondary energy or both. Energy useconsumption
and the methodology developed in this practice are based upon site energy use.consumption.
3.2.43.1 Discussion—
Site energy useconsumption is different from source energy use.consumption. Source energy useconsumption represents the total
amount of raw fuel that is required to meet a building’s energy needs and incorporates transmission, delivery, and production losses
at/from the source (such as the local power plant). While source energy is not specifically used in the methodology associated with
this practice, it is used by U.S. EPA to determine a building’s greenhouse gas (carbon) emissions associated with combustion
processes (refer to Appendix X9).
3.2.44 site visit, n—that part of the practice contained in Section 8 during which the qualified consultant’s or individual’s
walk-through of the property takes place.
3.2.45 total energy use,consumption, n—sum of all energy consumed in the building, including purchased energy plus energy
consumed on-site. Energy produced by the renewable energy systems is identified separately and may be netted out from building
total energy use.consumption.
3.2.46 upper limit scenario, n—with respect to building energy useconsumption or EUI,ECI, a reasonable upper limit for energy
useconsumption or EUIECI at the building (see subsection 11.4.1.4). The upper limit scenario is determined using the 75th
percentile for HDD,CDD, and all other independent variables used in the building energy useconsumption equation.
3.2.47 user, n—party seeking to use this practice to complete a building energy performance assessment. A user may include,
without limitation, a potential purchaser of the property, a potential tenant of the property, an owner of the property, a lender or
a property manager.
E2797 − 22
3.2.48 utility-energy bills/utility-energy data, n—invoices from companies that provide energy to a building, including
utility/energy companies, such as those that provide electricity, natural gas, district steam, district hot water, or district chilled water
to a property, and companies that deliver oil, propane, kerosene, coal, coke, wood, or other fuels used at the building.
3.2.49 vacancy, n—empty or unoccupied tenant space in a building. The vacancy rate generally refers to the empty or unoccupied
space in a building divided by the total space available to be occupied, generally represented as a percentage. If a tenant has left
a space but still continues to pay rent on the vacated space in accordance with his or her lease obligation, the space is considered
vacant for the purposes of this practice.
3.2.50 walk-through, n—conducted during the site visit consisting of easily visible observations of readily accessible major
building components and systems that can impact building energy use.consumption.
3.3 Acronyms and Abbreviations:
3.3.1 ASHRAE—American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
3.3.2 ASTM—ASTM International
3.3.3 BEPA—Building energy performance assessment
3.3.4 BTU—British thermal units
3.3.5 CDD—Cooling degree days
3.3.6 ECI—Energy consumption intensity (typically in units of kBtu/SF)
3.3.7 ECM—Energy conservation measure
3.3.8 EPA—U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
3.3.9 ESA—Environmental site assessment
3.3.8 EUI—Energy use intensity (typically in units of kBtu/SF)
3.3.10 GFA—Gross floor area associated with a building
3.3.11 GHG—Greenhouse gas
3.3.12 GWh—Gigawatt (10 Watt) hour
3.3.13 HDD—Heating degree days
3.3.14 HHV—Higher heating value
3.3.15 HVAC—Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
3.3.16 kBtu—Kilo (10 ) British thermal units (Btu)
3.3.17 kW—kilowatt (10 Watt)
3.3.18 kWh—kilowatt (10 Watt) hour
3.3.19 MBtu—million (10 ) British thermal units (Btu)
3.3.20 MWh—megawatt (10 watt) hour
E2797 − 22
3.3.21 NERC—North America Electric Reliability Council
3.3.22 NOAA—National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
3.3.23 NOI—Net operating income
3.3.24 OCC—Occupancy
3.3.25 PCA—Property condition assessment
3.3.26 ROI—Return on investment
3.3.27 SF—Square foot [gross square feet of building]
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Uses—This practice is intended for use on a voluntary basis by parties who wish to conduct a BEPA on a building. The process
defined in this practice involves the collection of building energy useconsumption information, some of which may be collected
as part of Guide E2018 PCA or Practice E1527 ESA. The practice is intended primarily as an approach to conducting a standardized
inquiry designed to identify representative building energy performance in connection with a commercial property involved in a
real estate transaction. This practice is intended to reflect a commercially practical and reasonable inquiry.
4.1.1 A number of states including CA, CO, WA and NJ, and more than three dozen cities, county and municipal governments,
including Ann Arbor, MI, Atlanta, GA, Austin, TX, Berkeley, CA, Bloomington, MN, Boston, MA, Boulder, CO, Cambridge, MA,
Chicago, IL, Chula Vista, CA, Columbus, OH, Denver, CO, Des Moines, IA, Edina, MN, Evanston, IL, Fort Collins, CO,
Indianapolis, IN, Kansas City, MO, Los Angeles, CA, Miami, FL, Minneapolis, MN, Montgomery County, MD, New York City,
NY, Orlando, FL, Philadelphia, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, Portland, ME, Portland, OR, Reno, NV, Salt Lake City, UT, San Diego, CA,
San Francisco, CA, San Jose, CA, Seattle, WA, South Portland, ME, St. Louis, MO, St. Louis Park, MN, St. Paul, MN and
Washington, D.C. have building energy performance benchmarking and reporting policies. Users in these locations must comply
with applicable ordinances and regulations.
4.2 Clarifications on Use:
4.2.1 Use in Conjunction with Guide E2018 PCA or Practice E1527—E1527 ESA—This practice, when added as a supplemental
scope of work to a Guide E2018 PCA or a Practice E1527 ESA, is designed to assist the user and consultant in developing
information about energy useconsumption in a building or buildings involved in a real estate transaction. The BEPA also has utility
to a wide range of persons, including those who may not be involved in a real estate transaction.
4.2.2 Independent Use—This practice may also be used independently of any other building assessment to determine building
energy performance.
4.2.3 Site-Specific—This practice is property-specific in that it relates to existing building energy performance. The practice is not
intended to replace Guide E2018 PCA or Practice E1527 ESA conducted by a qualified consultant or individual, but rather to
supplement it.
4.3 Who May Conduct—A BEPA shall be performed by a qualified consultant or individual (hereafter referred to as the
“Consultant”) with the education, training and experience necessary to perform the requirements of this practice (see Appendix
X4). No practical approach can be designed to eliminate the role of professional judgment and the value and need for experience
in the individual performing the inquiry. The professional experience of the Consultant is, consequently, important to the
performance of this BEPA.
4.4 Additional Services—As set forth in Section 13, additional services may be contracted for between the user and the Consultant.
Such additional services may include issues not included within the scope of this practice. For example, the user or Consultant
may wish to benchmark the building against similar buildings in the portfolio or in the same geographical area or identify select
green building attributes that may contribute to the energy efficiency performance and/or the building’s valuation.
E2797 − 22
4.4.1 Benchmarking Additional Service—Any benchmarking system selected relies on critical data in generating its output, so the
validity of the data collection process directly impacts the integrity and usefulness of the benchmarking system’s results. Utilization
of this practice and adoption of its data collection approach can serve to enhance the integrity of the benchmarking process for all
transactional stakeholders in a standardized, fully transparent, uniform, and consistent manner. Notwithstanding, building energy
useconsumption information should always be evaluated within the context in which it is collected and building energy
useconsumption numbers should not be used without conveying this context. (Refer to Appendix X1 for additional information.)
4.5 Principles—The following principles are an integral part of this practice and are intended to be referred to in resolving any
ambiguity or exercising such discretion as is accorded the user or Consultant in performing a BEPA.
4.5.1 Uncertainty Not Eliminated in BEPA—No BEPA practice can wholly eliminate uncertainty in determining the myriad of
variables that can impact the energy useconsumption of a building on a property. The BEPA is intended to reduce, but not eliminate,
uncertainty regarding the impact such variables can have on the energy useconsumption of a building.
4.5.2 Not Exhaustive—This practice is not meant to be an exhaustive assessment. There is a point at which the cost of information
obtained or the time required to gather it outweighs the usefulness of the information and, in fact, may be a material detriment to
the orderly completion of a real estate transaction. One of the purposes of this practice is to identify a balance between the
competing goals of limiting the costs and time demands inherent in performing a BEPA and the reduction of uncertainty about
unknown conditions resulting from collecting additional information.
4.5.3 Level of Inquiry is Variable—Not every building will warrant the same level of assessment. The appropriate level of
assessment will be guided by the type of property subject to assessment and its complexity, the needs of the user, and the
information already available or developed in the course of the inquiry.
4.6 Rules of Engagement—The contractual and legal obligations between a Consultant and a user (and other parties, if any) are
outside the scope of this guide.practice. No specific legal relationship between the Consultant and user was considered during the
preparation of this practice.
5. Relationship to PracticeE2018 E2018 PCA and PracticeE1527 E1527 ESA
5.1 Building Energy Performance Data Collected in Guide E2018E2018——ASTM Guide E2018 is directed principally at the
physical status of a building and associated property, including the building’s structure, electrical and mechanical systems, HVAC,
heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC), roofing and plumbing systems, code compliance, parking lot, and
sidewalk physical condition, with the objective of identifying deficiencies and the associated probable cost to remedy these
deficiencies. While Guide E2018 does include identification of utilities provided to the property for heating, ventilation, and
cooling equipment and other energy-related uses, it does not include the collection of building energy useconsumption information.
This practice is intended to supplement Guide E2018 when a user requests that building energy performance information be
included in the PCA.
5.2 Building Energy Performance Data Collected in Practice E1527—ASTM Practice E1527 is directed principally at the
environmental condition of the property, including whether known or suspect environmental contamination is associated with the
property. Building energy useconsumption can impact the environment by directly or indirectly contributing to carbon emissions
that may contribute to climate change. While Practice E1527 includes a building walk-through, interviews with key site personnel
and collection of select building characteristics, it does not include the collection of building energy useconsumption information.
This practice is intended to supplement Practice E1527 when a user requests that building energy performance information be
included in the ESA.
5.3 BEPA—This practice is intended to be used independently or as a supplement to Guide E2018 PCA or Practice E1527 ESA.
5.3.1 The BEPA may be conducted concurrently with Guide E2018 PCA or Practice E1527 ESA.
5.3.2 The BEPA may be conducted independently of Guide E2018 PCA or Practice E1527 ESA. When conducting a BEPA
independent of Guide E2018 PCA or Practice E1527 ESA, the data requirements specified in this practice shall be collected.
E2797 − 22
6. User Responsibilities
6.1 Scope—The purpose of this section is to describe tasks to be performed by the user that will assist the Consultant conducting
the BEPA on a building connected to a real estate transaction. These tasks do not require the technical expertise of a Consultant
and are generally not performed by Consultants performing a PCA or ESA, unless directed to do so by the user. In a real estate
transaction, it is common for the user to be the prospective property purchaser (the buyer), with the Consultant working for this
user. The user may also be an existing or prospective tenant at the property. Notwithstanding, the relevant information about the
building is best obtained from the property owner (the seller), or operator, and/or key site manager. As such, it is not unusual to
find the user requesting information directly from the seller, with the understanding that such person is under no legal obligation
to provide the information. It is also not unusual to find the user requesting the Consultant to obtain the information needed directly
from the seller (that is, as part of the PCA or ESA process). If the property owner (e.g., seller) is unwilling to provide building
energy use and cost information, a BEPA cannot be performed. Appendix X5 provides a sample of information that may be
collected from the property owner,operator or key site manager and which can assist the user and/or the Consultant gathering
information on the building that may be material to the BEPA in connection with the real estate transaction.
6.1.1 Discussion—Notwithstanding, the relevant information about the building is best obtained from the property owner (the
seller), or operator, and/or key site manager. As such, it is not unusual to find the user requesting information directly from the
seller, with the understanding that such person is under no legal obligation to provide the information. It is also not unusual to find
the user requesting the Consultant to obtain the information
...