Madison Launching the Third Year of the Building Energy Savings Program (BESP)
For Immediate Release
March 2, 2026
The City of Madison has launched the third year of the Building Energy Savings Program (BESP). In 2025, 345 commercial buildings successfully benchmarked their energy use, with 92% of required buildings in compliance, on par with leading peer cities nationwide. Building on that momentum, the program now expands to its final cohort – commercial buildings over 25,000 square feet. Adopted unanimously by the Common Council in 2023, BESP requires large commercial buildings to benchmark their energy use annually and complete building tune-ups every four years.
In 2026, owners of commercial buildings over 25,000 square feet are required to benchmark their energy use by June 30. Benchmarking measures how much energy a building uses and anonymously compares it to similar buildings in Madison. Each building receives a customized report that highlights energy use trends and identifies ways to improve building performance, reduce energy costs, and cut carbon emissions.
Building owners can visit the City's benchmarking webpage to access key information and resources. The 2026 Covered Buildings List includes all buildings required to participate. The benchmarking webpage includes videos and step-by-step guides to walk owners through the benchmarking reporting process. Staff are also available through a help desk to answer questions at any stage. Additionally, Madison Gas and Electric's MyMeter tool allows their commercial customers to automate the transfer of building energy data directly to ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, simplifying the reporting process.
This year also marks the start of the tune-up phase of the program. For the first time, commercial buildings over 100,000 square feet are required to complete a building tune-up, with a deadline of October 30, 2026. Tune-ups involve checking and adjusting building energy systems to confirm that existing equipment is operating as intended. This includes the building's envelope, lighting controls, hot water systems, and HVAC equipment. Buildings in the 50,000 to 99,999 square foot range will have to tune-up in 2027. Owners whose buildings are already running efficiently may qualify for an Alternative Compliance Pathway in lieu of submitting a tune-up report.
"The Building Energy Savings Program continues to deliver results for our community," said Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway. "Last year, 345 buildings successfully benchmarked their energy use and received tailored information about ways to save energy and money. BESP shows what's possible when building owners and local government work together to tackle climate change. We are excited to welcome the final group of commercial buildings into the benchmarking program.”
Benchmarking and energy tune-ups are proven strategies for reducing energy costs and cutting carbon pollution. Buildings account for 65% of Madison's greenhouse gas emissions. Improving energy efficiency across BESP-participating buildings by 10 to 15% could reduce climate pollution by an estimated 91,000 to 137,000 tons per year, equivalent to the annual carbon emissions of 12,200 to 18,400 homes.
To support building owners, the City is hosting virtual training sessions over the next four months to walk participants through the benchmarking and tune-up process. Two sessions are available for both benchmarking and tune-ups. Each session will cover the same content.
