Building Tune-ups

Just like a car or bicycle, buildings need to be tuned-up regularly to make sure they are operating at their best. Building tune-ups check and adjust building energy systems, like lighting and HVAC controls, to make sure existing systems are running well without wasting energy or money. Tune-ups reduce building energy use by 10-15% on average while saving money, improving comfort for building occupants, and extending the life of equipment. 

Commercial buildings 50,000 sq. ft. and larger are required to tune-up every four years. Buildings that are already very energy efficient or buildings that have recently taken actions that substantially improve energy efficiency may be eligible for an alternative compliance pathway. 

Reporting Deadlines

  • Buildings >100,000 sq. ft. are required to tune-up for the first time by October 31, 2026.
  • Buildings 50,000 - 99,999 sq. ft. are required to tune-up for the first time by October 31, 2027.

If your building is required to tune-up, don't wait to get started.

How to Comply

  • A view looking up from the sidewalk of the sky, the side of a brick building with white bay windows, and a tree canopy.

    1. Check the Covered Buildings List

    The 2026 Covered Buildings List shows the tune-up year for all buildings that must meet this requirement.

  • City of Madison Greenpower program participants

    2. Select a Tune-up Specialist

    A tune-up specialist can be on-site staff or a contracted service provider, as long as they have the proper qualifications.

  • A person in a hard hat and plaid shirt is checking on rooftop HVAC equipment.

    3. Complete the Building Assessment

    The tune-up specialist will use the Tune-up Report Workbook as a guide for assessing the building’s systems or subsystems that use energy or impact energy consumption.

  • An open laptop with charts and graphs related to energy efficiency floating above the keyboard.

    4. Implement and Verify Corrective Actions

    Required corrective actions must be implemented by in-house staff, service providers, or the specialist. The specialist verifies implementation and ensures systems function as intended. Voluntary actions may be completed at any time.

  • Screen shot of Building Owner Portal Log In

    5. Submit the Tune-up Report Workbook using the Building Owner Portal

    Review and submit your building's Tune-up Report Workbook in the Building Owner Portal.

Tune-up Process Overview

Resources

  • This guide provides step-by-step instructions for completing a tune-up, including filling out the Tune-up Reporting Workbook.

  • Click here to download the Tune-up Report Workbook.

  • Visit our Help Desk to find answers to common questions and request assistance.

  • Join for an overview of the tune-up process on April 23 and July 28. Register now! 

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Contact our Help Desk for assistance with energy benchmarking or building tune-ups.