Rhode Island Senate Bill S1161

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/20/25
• Passed: 6/20/25

Caption

SENATE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF ENERGY RESOURCES TO UNDERTAKE A REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF BENCHMARKING PROGRAMS FOR MUNICIPAL AND PRIVATE BUILDINGS GREATER THAN 25,000 SQUARE FEET

Impact

The proposed benchmarking program is expected to provide a framework for tracking energy usage and emissions in larger buildings, facilitating informed decision-making concerning energy efficiency and sustainability practices. By expanding current benchmarking efforts beyond state properties, the bill aims to gather comprehensive data, ultimately leading to better strategies for reducing emissions across the state. This initiative will also involve collaboration with the League of Cities and Towns and regional Chambers of Commerce, ensuring that local perspectives are considered in the implementation process.

Summary

Senate Bill S1161 is a resolution that requests the Office of Energy Resources (OER) of Rhode Island to conduct a review and analysis of benchmarking programs specifically for municipal and private buildings that exceed 25,000 square feet in size. The bill highlights the significant role these large buildings play in statewide emissions, estimating that they represent about 10 percent of total emissions from the building sector. It seeks to ensure that there is adequate and updated data to effectively measure emissions and energy usage across this sector, aligning with the goals established by the 2021 Act on Climate, which positions Rhode Island as a leader in greenhouse gas reduction.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding S1161 appears to support the need for enhanced data collection and benchmarking to further climate action initiatives. Stakeholders recognize the crucial impact that large buildings have on state emissions and express optimism that thorough reviews and recommendations from OER will lead to actionable steps toward sustainability. However, there may be unease regarding the capacity to implement these benchmarking programs and potential resistance from private entities concerned about compliance costs and operational impacts.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on generating a concerted effort toward benchmarking, notable points of contention may arise from how the recommendations will be executed, especially around timelines and resource allocation. Concerns can emerge about the potential costs involved in implementing such programs for private buildings and the perceived burden it places on businesses. Additionally, discussions may surface around data privacy and concerns about how benchmarking data would be used.