This dataset contains information pertaining to the Better Buildings Challenge, an initiative created by the U.S. Department of Energy with the objective of reducing overall energy consumption. Aligned with the City of Norfolk’s Climate Action Plan, the City Council adopted a resolution in 2022 to achieve a 20% reduction in energy consumption by the year 2032 across 127 selected properties within Norfolk’s building portfolio, totaling approximately 6,000,000 square feet. This action solidified Norfolk’s commitment to the Better Buildings Challenge.

This dataset utilizes data from 2019 as the baseline year. Energy tracking tools, specifically EnergyCAP and EnergySTAR Portfolio Manager, are utilized to measure various metrics related to energy usage in the 127 properties. The primary indicators in the dataset for tracking energy consumption are the Source Energy Use (in kBtu) and the Source Energy Use Units (energy use per square foot). While the dataset covers metrics from 2019 to the present, the Better Buildings Challenge excludes data from 2020 and 2021 (due to COVID) when evaluating progress toward the 20% reduction goal by 2032. This dataset will be updated monthly.

This dataset contains the energy consumption for every building that is owned and occupied by the City of Norfolk. The dataset tracks electricity, natural gas, and water consumption by meter; most energy meters are tied to one building. The energy consumption data is collected in EnergyCAP, a system of record that tracks Norfolk’s energy management and utility bill accounting. This data originates from monthly utility bills submitted by Norfolk’s energy vendors. In this dataset, users can explore the amount of electricity, natural gas and propane consumed monthly by municipal buildings in Norfolk as well as follow energy expenditure trends. The data is updated weekly.

This dataset provides data from the City of Norfolk’s special programs tracking system. Special program issues originate from inspections conducted by the Department of Neighborhood Services and the Department of City Planning. The goal of pursuing compliance with special programs is to strengthen neighborhood standards and improve property health and safety. Types of special programs may include property issues such emergency demolitions, fire department red tags, vacant building registration, Virginia Natural Gas red tags, short-term rentals, new auto establishments, and others. This dataset will contain a rolling three years of data and will be updated daily.