SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS

Asset Classes

Focus Area

Energy and Carbon

Topic

Energy and Carbon Assessment

Question #

E1.3b — Owner or landlord informs, tenant manages energy

Question

Does the owner or landlord conduct visual inspections of tenant-managed energy systems each year?

Applicability

All asset classes 
Tenant occupied building – some or all systems managed by the tenant

Answer & Scoring

  • Yes = 3 points
  • No = 0 points
  • Not Applicable – Owner/landlord occupied building OR Tenant occupied building: All systems managed by the owner/landlord OR Tenant occupied building: Lease prohibits owner/landlord from inspecting any tenant-managed systems = 0/0

Max of 3 points

Requirements

  1. Conducting a visual inspection of tenant-managed energy systems that serve tenant leased spaces, covering the following as applicable:
    • Lighting (interior and exterior)
    • HVAC (cooling, heating, air distribution, ventilation and exhaust systems)
    • Heating, chilled, condenser and domestic water systems and associated pumps
    • Refrigeration
    • Onsite power generation equipment, including renewable energy systems
    • Uninterruptible power supplies, power distribution units and critical power systems
    • Data centers and information technology infrastructure
    • Plug loads (including office equipment, personal computers and appliances)
  2. This must cover a group of tenants that lease at least half of the total building area
  3. Visual inspection forms must be shared with tenants

OR

  1. Submit excerpt from lease which details restrictions to landlord access of tenant spaces

OR

  1. Signed letter from owner/landlord or tenant indicating how and why the owner is restricted from the space.

Documentation

  • The most recent visual inspection forms of tenant spaces
  • Communication in which the results of this visual inspection were shared with tenants
  • Evidence that the inspections cover at least half of the area of the building

OR

  • Lease Excerpt

OR

  • Signed letter from owner/landlord or tenant indicating how and why the owner is restricted from the space.

Suggested Lead

In-house

Value

  • Tenant-controlled systems can have a significant impact on energy use and carbon emissions at a building. If systems are not properly operated or maintained, this can lead to additional energy consumption and carbon emissions
  • Perform regular visual inspections of tenant-controlled systems to check the general condition of these systems and identify potential opportunities for energy and carbon savings
  • Engage tenants in the inspection process and share the results of the assessment with tenants

Description

Assessments allow building management to identify opportunities for operational optimization and capital upgrades, focusing on the highest impact systems and areas. 
The purpose of the visual inspection is to identify potential energy savings opportunities and provide general condition oversight.

References

Adapted BB 3.0 Question

New in BOMA BEST 4.0