I have been receiving many phone calls asking this same question since the City of Los Angeles sent notices to building owners on June 1, 2022. The notices were sent to owners whose properties are over the 20,000 sq. ft. threshold and were tagged to comply with the City’s Existing Buildings Energy and Water Efficiency (EBEWE) Program. Within this threshold, the notice was sent to those required to comply with Phase II of the Ordinance and have an LA City Building ID ending in either a 2 or a 3. These properties have a Phase II compliance due date of December 1, 2022.
What is an Audit and Retro-commissioning (A/RCx) Report?
This is the second year of compliance for the City’s EBEWE Phase II which is required every five years after the initial compliance year.
Audits and Retro-commissioning (A/RCX) for both energy and water are required including performing the evaluations and generating the subsequent ASHRAE Level II reports. All work for Phase II must be done under the direct supervision of a California licensed engineer or architect as specified in Division 97 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC).
The audit reports must include recommendations to improve the energy and water usage efficiency and a cost-benefit analysis for retrofitting the properties.
Do I Have Options?
Yes! Little does everyone know, although it is noted in item 2. of the notice, that a property may be exempted from performing the A/RCx.
There are in fact energy and water exemptions that can be met to avoid a costly ASHRAE Level II audit. Contact us to learn more. Stay tuned for Blog 2
Marika Erdely is the founder and CEO of Green EconoME. Before founding the company, she was CFO/VP at New Millennium Homes, a major home builder, and land developer, bringing with her nearly thirty years as an accounting professional. Marika has her Contractors License B & C-10 and is a LEED AP BD+C, Certified Energy Auditor, and Fitwel Ambassador. Marika holds an MBA from Pepperdine University and a BA in Business Economics from UCSB.
