Purpose of this article
This article explains how Scaler benchmarks are constructed: how peer groups are formed, which assets and companies are included, what the benchmark values represent, and how data privacy is protected. It is intended for users who want to understand the methodology behind the peer comparisons shown in the Analytics Portal.
What this covers
- How peer groups are formed
- Which assets and companies are included in the dataset
- What the Top 15%, Top 30% and Median values represent
- How the dataset is maintained and how participating companies' data is protected
What Scaler benchmarks are
Scaler benchmarks compare each asset's performance against a peer group of similar buildings, using anonymized reporting data from companies that have opted in to the benchmark. This gives you an external reference point for each asset, rather than only comparing against your own internal targets.
Two metrics are benchmarked:
- Energy intensity (kWh/m²)
- GHG intensity (kgCO₂e/m²)
Where to find it: Analytics Portal → Improve → Portfolio → Benchmark
How peer groups are formed
Every asset is matched to a peer group of comparable buildings. The starting definition of a peer group is:
Same property type × same country
If fewer than 6 assets match, the group is widened step by step until it contains at least 6 assets:
- Property dimension: subtype → type → sector
- Geographic dimension: country → sub-region → region
This ensures every benchmark is based on a meaningful sample. The number of peers in the group is displayed alongside the benchmark values.
A peer group always contains a minimum of 6 assets, with no exceptions. If no group of at least 6 qualifying assets can be formed, no benchmark values are shown for that asset.
Which assets are included
Only assets that pass Scaler's data quality gates are included in a peer group:
- The asset belongs to a company that has opted in to the benchmark
- The asset has at least 75% energy data coverage for the reporting year
- The asset's values pass plausibility checks; test data and implausible values are filtered out
Related articles:
What the benchmark shows
For each peer group, Scaler shows three reference values per metric:
- Top 15% — the performance level of the best-performing 15% of peers
- Top 30% — the performance level of the best-performing 30% of peers
- Median — the typical performer in the group
The view also shows the delta between your asset's current performance and each reference value, so you can see at a glance how far the asset is from each level. Where applicable, CRREM-related reference figures are shown alongside, indicating how far the asset's energy intensity is from the relevant pathway objectives.
How to read the values
Lower is better for both metrics. If your asset's energy intensity is below the Top 15% value, it performs better than at least 85% of its peer group. If it is above the Median, it consumes more energy per square meter than the typical comparable building. Use the deltas to prioritize which assets to improve first.
How the dataset is maintained
Benchmark values are calculated from a fixed dataset compiled after the annual reporting season closes. This means:
- Benchmark values do not update in real time as clients add or edit data
- Assets added after the dataset was compiled may not have a benchmark until the next refresh
The dataset is drawn from all qualifying reported data. For the 2025 reporting year, the dataset was frozen on 20 July 2026 and comprised 64 opted-in companies and 5,997 assets.
Data privacy and participation
Participation in the Scaler benchmark is controlled by each company's terms and conditions with Scaler:
- All benchmark data is anonymized. Only aggregated peer group values (Top 15%, Top 30%, Median) are ever visible; no individual asset or company data can be identified.
- Companies that have opted out are fully excluded, both from the benchmark values and from all peer groups.
- Companies that have opted out do not have access to the benchmark feature unless they opt in.
The value of any benchmark grows with the number of peers. The more companies participate, the more precise and representative the peer groups become for everyone.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my asset show no benchmark values?
The most common reasons: the asset was added after the current dataset was compiled, or no peer group of at least 6 qualifying assets could be formed for its property type and location. Benchmark values appear once the dataset refreshes or enough qualifying peers exist.
Can other companies see my asset's data?
No. Peer group values are aggregated across a minimum of 6 assets and fully anonymized. Individual assets, values, and companies are never identifiable.
How do I opt in or out of the benchmark?
Participation is set in your company's terms and conditions with Scaler. Contact your Account Operations representative to review or change your participation.
Additional resources
- Setting and viewing Targets, Pathways & Benchmarks — configuring your own targets and custom benchmarks
- Energy use intensity (EUI) — how the energy intensity metric is calculated
- Scaler data coverage methodology — how data coverage is measured