What does "Energy Star Portfolio Manager" refer to?

"Energy Star Portfolio Manager" is recognized as a tool used primarily for benchmarking energy performance in buildings. It allows users to track and measure the energy and water consumption of various buildings over time, facilitating better management and improvement of energy efficiency. By inputting data such as utility bills and building characteristics, users can assess how their buildings are performing relative to similar properties, which is essential for identifying opportunities for energy savings.

This benchmarking capability is a fundamental aspect of energy management and supports compliance with energy efficiency standards and practices, making it a valuable resource for building owners and managers committed to sustainability and energy conservation.

The other options, while related to general sustainability practices, do not accurately represent the main function of the Energy Star Portfolio Manager. For example, its focus is not on assessing water usage or monitoring indoor air quality, nor is it designed primarily to serve as a forecasting model for energy consumption. The emphasis on benchmarking energy performance sets it apart as a pivotal tool in the Energy & Atmosphere category of LEED certification processes.