The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) just published its Energy Efficiency in Tenant Leased Spaces feasibility study that highlights both opportunities and barriers to implementing energy efficient technologies in multi-tenant commercial spaces.

The study was required by Congress as a part of the Energy Efficiency “Tenant Star” legislation that was passed into law last April. The hope is that this voluntary program will encourage higher energy performance in leased spaces in commercial buildings. Market driven branding incentives have worked well with building owners through the voluntary Energy Star program. Now, this program will attempt to motivate building tenants to increase their energy efficiencies and reduce their energy consumption.

The DOE study finds that “American businesses can occupy more energy-efficient spaces that help improve their bottom line, attract and retain the best workers, and increase their competitiveness.” About half of commercial real estate is occupied by tenants, who could directly benefit from greater energy efficiency. The study further finds that tenant space can be built to save 10-40% energy compared to a typical space.

The study also examined the persistent problem of a lack of energy data. It was determined that a significant increase in sub-metering of tenant spaces would help overcome this barrier. Another persistent problem is the “split-incentive” issue between owners and tenants, with owners paying for the improvements and the tenants benefitting. Accelerated 15-year depreciation of leasehold improvements, can potentially provide real estate owners with greater certainty to undertake property improvements over the typical lease term and economic life of those assets (7-10 years).

Furthermore, the DOE report also encouraged the creation of a federal tenant space recognition system, similar to Energy Star.

The real estate community is supportive of these voluntary, market driven programs that have already shown tremendous results across the country.