Updates to Building Performance Standards and Deadline Extensions in Energize Denver, LA EBEWE, and California AB 802

Q2 2026 Building Performance Report: Key Updates & Deadlines For Property Owners

May 20, 2026 Connor Chow

Building performance standards (BPS) are evolving quickly, and for many property owners and managers, the biggest challenge is keeping track of changing deadlines, reporting requirements, and compliance pathways. Delaying benchmarking, data verification, or performance planning until the last minute often creates unnecessary operational strain, compliance risk, and penalties.

At the same time, efficient, high-performing buildings are becoming increasingly valuable assets. Benchmarking and BPS compliance not only support regulatory requirements, but also help owners identify operational inefficiencies, reduce utility costs, and strengthen long-term asset value.

Here are the most important changes, deadlines, and actions building owners should be aware of during the 2026 compliance season.

Immediate Compliance Priorities

June 1 Compliance Cluster

Many major benchmarking and building performance programs share a June 1 deadline. Building owners should confirm immediately whether their property is covered and what submissions are required.

Programs with June 1 deadlines include:

Depending on the jurisdiction, requirements may include:

Energy benchmarking
Water benchmarking
Third-party data verification
Energy audits
Performance target compliance

Retro-commissioning
Energy management plans
Operational and maintenance tune-ups / implementation

Critical Policy Changes Owners Need To Know

Building Performance Colorado (BPC) Updates

Colorado’s House Bill 25-1269 introduced several major changes to Building Performance Colorado:

Annual reporting deadline permanently moved to November 1
2026 performance targets changed from mandatory targets to interim goals through 2030
Buildings may now use a 2019 baseline year instead of 2021
New enterprise fund established to support compliance guidance and funding
Special target pathways available for buildings with data centers
Process established for future 2040 performance targets

One important clarification: while the reporting period now runs from July 1 through November 1, the submitted benchmarking data still reflects the previous calendar year.

Energize Denver Deemed Compliance

Energize Denver became the first program approved for “deemed compliance” under Building Performance Colorado. Covered buildings do not need to separately comply with BPC performance requirements, but owners must still:

Submit benchmarking data to both agencies
Pay applicable fees to both programs

Energize Denver Verification Deadline

Energize Denver requires one benchmarking report to be third-party verified by 2026. For any covered building that has not yet completed verification, this is the final compliance year to do so.

Washington State Clean Building Performance Standards (CBPS) Updates

Washington’s House Bill 1543 introduced several important updates to Clean Building Performance Standards (CBPS), including:

Alternative energy and greenhouse gas compliance pathways
Additional hardship and historic-building exemptions
New deadline extension opportunities
Protections preventing owners from passing penalties onto cooperative tenants
Expanded utility data access requirements
Future Tier 2 building performance standards by 2030

New Ordinances Entering First Compliance Years

New Orleans Building Energy Benchmarking Ordinance

Buildings over 50,000 sq. ft. must begin annual energy reporting by May 31, 2026.

Lakewood Building Performance Program

Lakewood adopted a new Energy Benchmarking Ordinance requiring buildings over 10,000 sq. ft. to report annual energy use. The first compliance deadline is December 31, 2026.

Additional 2026 Building Performance Deadline Changes

Several jurisdictions extended or adjusted reporting timelines for 2026:

Program

Building Performance Colorado (BPC)

Maryland BEPS

West Hollywood EBPS

Boston BERDO

2026 Deadline Update

Deadline permanently moved to November 1

Reports submitted by June 30 will be considered timely

Deadline extended to September 15

Deadline extended to August 15

Why Compliance Matters Beyond Avoiding Penalties

The risks of non-compliance are top of mind for most building owners. The potential financial exposure of is substantial: California’s statute authorizes fines up to $2,000 per category of non-compliant data per day, and Seattle’s rules allow a $5,000 base fine plus $1 per square foot per day. Enforcement has historically been uneven but building performance policies are no longer just reporting exercises. They are becoming operational performance standards that directly impact:

Asset value
Operating expenses
Financial & Regulatory Risk
Tenant expectations
Capital planning
Market competitiveness

Benchmarking and verification provide building owners with measurable insight into how efficiently their properties operate. Energy audits and performance improvements can uncover opportunities to reduce waste, lower utility costs, and improve long-term building performance.

As regulations continue to evolve, proactive compliance planning is becoming a critical part of protecting and improving real estate investments.

What Building Owners Should Do Right Now

Property owners and managers should immediately confirm:

What is required for each covered building this year?
Were there any recent policy or deadline changes in the jurisdiction?
Who is actively managing compliance and reporting?

The most important first step is establishing ownership of the compliance process. The building owner remains responsible for compliance, but consultants like VCA Green can help reduce the workload, manage the process, and stay on top of changing policies as they report on the owner’s behalf.

With multiple jurisdictions updating policies and deadlines simultaneously, waiting until the final weeks before submission can create unnecessary risk, operational disruption, and missed opportunities to improve building performance.

Begin Compliance Today

RELEVANT SERVICES

Benchmarking Insights

Understanding Boston’s Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Requirements

December 31, 2024 admin

As Boston tightens its regulations to combat climate change, building owners are facing new challenges to stay compliant with the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO). If you own or manage a large commercial property, understanding how to navigate these standards is crucial to avoid fines and penalties. That’s where Green Econome steps in—helping you comply, reduce emissions, and achieve long-term energy savings.

What Are BERDO Emissions Requirements?

To reduce the environmental impact of Boston’s largest buildings, the city has set strict emissions standards that gradually lower every five years, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. Here are the key points you should be aware of:

Buildings over 20,000 square feet or residential properties with 15+ units must comply.

By 2025 or 2030 (depending on your building’s size), you’ll need to report your energy use and greenhouse gas emissions to the city annually.

Every five years, buildings must either reduce emissions by 15% or complete a detailed energy assessment.

Emissions reduction schedule by building type:

Source: Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure | Boston.gov

How Green Econome Simplifies BERDO Compliance

We specialize in helping Boston commercial real estate owners meet energy benchmarking and emissions reduction targets. With our expert team, you can:

Meet Emissions Standards

We assist in benchmarking, tracking, and reporting your building’s energy use and emissions through ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager®. We ensure that your data is accurate and submitted on time, so you stay compliant with BERDO’s requirements year after year. If you already have benchmarking covered, we can provide third-party verification services.

Develop a Plan that Meets Your Needs

Beyond benchmarking, Green Econome can help plan an effective strategy that aligns your reduction targets with company goals and budget. By conducting energy audits and analyses, Green Econome acts as an extension of your team to make efficiency recommendations, provide energy management, verify and track reductions to ensure you are on track for BERDO compliance.

Reduce Energy Use

Green Econome is an end-to-end service provider that can manage and/or install your energy and water efficiency projects. Whether an LED lighting retrofit or a full scale building decarbonization and clean energy system, we leverage a national team of professionals to get the job done.

Avoid Penalties – Act Today!

The clock is ticking on Boston’s emissions standards, and penalties for non-compliance can add up fast, up to $1,000/day! Green Econome offers a streamlined approach to meet BERDO’s energy and emissions requirements, saving you time, money, and stress. Ready to make your building more efficient and compliant? Contact Green Econome today for a consultation and see how we can help you reduce emissions, lower costs, and stay ahead of Boston’s climate regulations.

DOWNLOAD BOSTON BERDO BROCHURE

RELEVANT SERVICES

Benchmarking Insights

Energy Benchmarking in Boston — What is BERDO?

December 3, 2024 admin

Cities around the US are implementing energy benchmarking laws. Boston is paving the way for energy efficiency with their Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO). The BERDO energy benchmarking ordinance provides an excellent opportunity for commercial real estate owners to improve their energy performance while saving money and staying ahead of future greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction requirements. If you’re a property owner or manager in the city, staying compliant with BERDO is crucial—and Green Econome is here to help.

What is BERDO Energy Benchmarking in Boston?

Passed in 2013, Boston’s Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) requires large commercial and residential buildings to report their annual energy and water usage by May 15th annually to the city, as well as stating emissions standards every 5 years, starting in 2025 or 2030 depending on building size. This regulation applies to:

Residential buildings that have 15 or more units

Non-residential buildings that are 20,000 square feet or larger

Parcels with multiple buildings totaling at least 20,000 square feet or 15 units

What are the Benefits of BERDO?

Failing to meet BERDO energy benchmarking reporting requirements can result in penalties of up to $1,000/day!

But beyond compliance, energy benchmarking through ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager® can help property owners identify areas for efficiency improvements and cost savings. Tracking and optimizing energy usage can significantly increase the value of your commercial property. Buildings that perform better in energy efficiency often attract more tenants and offer long-term savings on utility bills. By staying ahead of Boston’s energy benchmarking ordinance, you’ll ensure your property remains competitive in the city’s fast-growing commercial real estate market.

Maximize Energy Efficiency in Boston with Green Econome’s Energy Benchmarking Services

With over 20 years of combined experience in commercial real estate and benchmarking, Green Econome’s expert team is here to take the stress of BERDO compliance off your plate. Don’t wait until the last minute—get in touch with Green Econome today to simplify the compliance process and unlock energy savings for your property. For more information on how we can assist with Boston BERDO compliance, or energy benchmarking for commercial properties in any US state, contact Green Econome today!

RELEVANT SERVICES

Benchmarking Building Performance Standards News

LA EBEWE Program Deadlines Reinstated

February 7, 2023 Karalyn Shima Honea

UPDATE: The Tolling of Existing Buildings Energy and Water Efficiency (EBEWE) Program Deadlines Has Ended. The New ‘Reissued’ Deadline is September 7, 2023.

We, as a city and wider community, reached a milestone at the end of February with the rescinding of the City of Los Angeles COVID-19 Emergency Order. Included in the Executive Directive is the termination of ‘tolling of Existing Buildings Energy and Water Efficiency (EBEWE) deadlines. In short, you have to comply with EBEWE on-time this year and submit previous non-compliance by September 7, 2023.

Top 3 Takeaways For Tolled Deadline Compliance

The tolling (suspension) of EBEWE deadlines will end on February 28, 2023.
LA Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) sent a “reissued” Notice to Comply for any building not in compliance for impacted years on March 7, 2023.
You will have six (6) months from the notice issue date to submit compliance to LADBS. This means benchmarking and Phase II A/RCx compliance for any affected building must comply by September 7, 2023.

Top 3 Tips for EBEWE Compliance

If your building needs EBEWE benchmarking compliance this year, and for previous years, Green Econome can benchmark and submit compliance for all years, bringing you up to date by the annual June 1st deadline.
If your building requires EBEWE Audit & Retro-Commissioning (A/RCx) for compliance years 2021 or 2022, we recommend starting now. If your building doesn’t meet an exemption and needs an ASHRAE Level II audit, allow a minimum of 3 months to comply.
Contact us with questions, or to get started on your EBEWE compliance. We are happy to help!

ORIGINAL STORY

The City’s COVID-19 Public Emergency Order Impacts EBEWE Deadlines, While the Program Moves Forward

Good News! In the email titled, “UPDATE REGARDING TOLLING OF EXISTING BUILDINGS ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENCY (EBEWE) COMPLIANCE DATES” sent on Monday, October 24, 2022, by the Los Angeles Department of Building & Safety (LADBS), they announced that the deadline for EBEWE Phase II Audit / Retro-commissioning (A/RCx) requirements has been “tolled”, or delayed, yet again due to the City of Los Angeles Public Emergency Order (COVID-19), which is still in effect.

What Does This Mean? Three Facts You Need To Know About EBEWE Delays

The December 1, 2022, deadline for buildings due to comply (LADBS Building ID ending with 2 or 3), has been delayed and late compliance will not be fined. This is an update to the already tolled deadlines for Phase I benchmarking program years 2019, 2020, and 2021, AND Phase II A/RCx compliance year 2021.
Although the due dates have been paused while the emergency order is in effect, the program itself has not been paused. The city is encouraging all owners of covered buildings to submit data to continue developing energy and water efficiency programs.
Tolling of Phase II A/RCx deadlines does not change your 5-year compliance timeframe. See the schedule below. This is particularly important for buildings seeking ENERGY STAR® Certification. Certification is independent of LADBS and adheres to the EPA’s application window, which is open until 12/9/22. You cannot submit for Certification of previous years.

What Does This Mean for My Building? Action Items for Compliance

It means that you’ve bought some time; and ultimately, your building should be both in compliance with annual benchmarking and the 5-year A/RCx requirements.

For Green Econome clients, we are moving forward as though the deadlines are in place and doing everything in our power to fulfill your compliance on time.
If you have let any of your reporting lapse, Green Econome can bring you up to date. We offer multi-year contracts with discounted pricing on retroactive benchmarking.
If you have not started Phase II A/RCx for your building(s), please reach out to us ASAP for proposals. Full ASHRAE audits can take 2-3 months to complete. Additionally, ASHRAE audits are costly, and not always necessary if exemptions can be met. We determine your least-cost route to compliance, based on your (accurate) benchmarking data.

Deadlines may wait, but the climate crisis won’t. Nor will the Climate Action Plans and transition to clean energy that the city, county, and state are drafting. Your ENERGY STAR® benchmarking and building performance data directly informs our local policy. Please participate.

The full notice can be viewed and downloaded here. If you have more questions regarding this program in general, view our Q&A presentation, and contact us at any time to discuss your buildings further.

ORIGINAL: The City’s COVID-19 Public Emergency Order Impacts EBEWE Deadlines, While the Program Moves Forward

What Does This Mean? Three Facts You Need To Know About EBEWE Delays

The December 1, 2022, deadline for buildings due to comply (LADBS Building ID ending with 2 or 3), has been delayed and late compliance will not be fined. This is an update to the already tolled deadlines for Phase I benchmarking program years 2019, 2020, and 2021, AND Phase II A/RCx compliance year 2021.
Although the due dates have been paused while the emergency order is in effect, the program itself has not been paused. The city is encouraging all owners of covered buildings to submit data to continue developing energy and water efficiency programs.
Tolling of Phase II A/RCx deadlines does not change your 5-year compliance timeframe. See the schedule below. This is particularly important for buildings seeking ENERGY STAR® Certification. Certification is independent of LADBS and adheres to the EPA’s application window, which is open until 12/9/22. You cannot submit for Certification of previous years.

What Does This Mean for My Building? Action Items for Compliance

It means that you’ve bought some time; and ultimately, your building should be both in compliance with annual benchmarking and the 5-year A/RCx requirements.

For Green Econome clients, we are moving forward as though the deadlines are in place and doing everything in our power to fulfill your compliance on time.
If you have let any of your reporting lapse, Green Econome can bring you up to date. We offer multi-year contracts with discounted pricing on retroactive benchmarking.
If you have not started Phase II A/RCx for your building(s), please reach out to us ASAP for proposals. Full ASHRAE audits can take 2-3 months to complete. Additionally, ASHRAE audits are costly, and not always necessary if exemptions can be met. We determine your least-cost route to compliance, based on your (accurate) benchmarking data.

ORIGINAL: The City’s COVID-19 Public Emergency Order Impacts EBEWE Deadlines, While the Program Moves Forward

What Does This Mean? Three Facts You Need To Know About EBEWE Delays

The December 1, 2022, deadline for buildings due to comply (LADBS Building ID ending with 2 or 3), has been delayed and late compliance will not be fined. This is an update to the already tolled deadlines for Phase I benchmarking program years 2019, 2020, and 2021, AND Phase II A/RCx compliance year 2021.
Although the due dates have been paused while the emergency order is in effect, the program itself has not been paused. The city is encouraging all owners of covered buildings to submit data to continue developing energy and water efficiency programs.
Tolling of Phase II A/RCx deadlines does not change your 5-year compliance timeframe. See the schedule below. This is particularly important for buildings seeking ENERGY STAR® Certification. Certification is independent of LADBS and adheres to the EPA’s application window, which is open until 12/9/22. You cannot submit for Certification of previous years.

What Does This Mean for My Building? Action Items for Compliance

It means that you’ve bought some time; and ultimately, your building should be both in compliance with annual benchmarking and the 5-year A/RCx requirements.

For Green Econome clients, we are moving forward as though the deadlines are in place and doing everything in our power to fulfill your compliance on time.
If you have let any of your reporting lapse, Green Econome can bring you up to date. We offer multi-year contracts with discounted pricing on retroactive benchmarking.
If you have not started Phase II A/RCx for your building(s), please reach out to us ASAP for proposals. Full ASHRAE audits can take 2-3 months to complete. Additionally, ASHRAE audits are costly, and not always necessary if exemptions can be met. We determine your least-cost route to compliance, based on your (accurate) benchmarking data.

Benchmarking Building Performance Standards

California Existing Buildings Energy Disclosure Guide: 2021

January 19, 2021 Karalyn Shima Honea

California’s energy efficiency action plan for existing buildings is ramping up in 2021. We are offering this guide to help identify what your city’s climate policy is and what the requirements are for existing commercial and residential buildings. Included are some tips for making the most of your efficiency compliance.

Why Existing Buildings?

Existing buildings are the second-largest source of GHG emissions in California. Identifying energy and water waste in our buildings provides valuable insight for policymakers. The chosen method of identifying is through local and state-mandated Energy Benchmarking and Performance Reporting. Benchmarking is the comparison of a site’s energy performance to similar type and use buildings over a specified period of time. ENERGY STARⓇ Portfolio Manager is the approved tool used to complete and submit benchmarking reports for compliance. Here are a few overall notes on meeting energy disclosure requirements:

The owner of the building is the responsible party
These benchmarking laws are required annually
“Covered or disclosable buildings” are the building types that need to comply. Exceptions exist and vary per ordinance so be sure to check with your individual city’s program or contact us for program requirements
When you comply with your local benchmarking ordinances, the city shares the data with the state, placing you in AB 802 compliance as well
Benchmarking provides insight into how efficient or inefficient your building is operating. Efficient buildings provide for lower operating costs and higher market valuations
Funding: there are available rebates and incentives through your utilities and in some places, local funding for compliance and energy efficiency projects. Most ordinance pages have links to these programs. Also check your electric, gas, and water company webpages for info, or contact us
The State of California and the City of San Diego only require annual energy disclosure. However, some cities also require buildings to become energy efficient or show their performance by meeting Energy Star Certification requirements

5 Tips for Compliance & Becoming a High-Performing Building

Hire Green EconoME to complete your compliance and energy efficiency consulting. We understand that you have benchmarking service provider options; however, from our experience benchmarking over 1,600 buildings properly, not all benchmarking is the same. We place emphasis on accurately measuring your data, rather than meeting the bare minimum for compliance. It is not only the legal thing to do, it is also more economic in the long run. The data in your benchmarking report is valuable to the operation and investment of your property, and the basis of your performance reporting. If corners are cut, you may end up paying more in unnecessary (and costly) audits or having to rehire another firm to correct the work.
Add tenant authorization to your lease to release energy and water use data from the utilities. In some cases where the tenants are the electric/gas/water account holder, they are required to sign an authorization to share their usage data. As you can imagine, this is time consuming and not always successful. In lieu of the authorization, we can submit a copy of the lease if it includes authorization language.
Create an energy efficiency budget. The Better Buildings Financing Navigator is a great resource which outlines common barriers, solutions and considerations to energy financing. These ordinances are all-for-none if building owners and operators do not invest in the goal of achieving more energy and water efficient buildings by 2030. Visit our case studies for examples of the cost to savings you can achieve through efficiency projects.
Leverage available rebates and incentives. In addition to outside funding and loans, there are robust programs for energy efficiency and clean power through utilities, local and federal government. Word on the street is that further funding (and further policy) will be proposed soon after the new administration takes office. Green EconoME calculates available rebates & incentives savings into our estimates and/or audit reports.
Put your data to work. Use monthly data to track your energy & water use in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. Demonstrating energy and water reductions through the benchmarking tool in some cities is a path to performance compliance. Either way, you now have a powerful tool that tracks your ongoing use, so take advantage of it. Green EconoME offers consultations to assess your building’s performance and identify problem areas or opportunities for savings.

Our hope is that the purpose of the requirements is clear and can inspire long term efficiency in your buildings. Our city and state leadership also recognize this can come as a big ask, and so they are supporting owners and communities through funding programs. Take advantage of them. Most importantly, existing buildings are recognized across the globe as a vital part of the solution. That is a big opportunity when you throw your hat in the ring. Good luck and call us if you need us. We cannot wait to see what California buildings can do.

Benchmarking Only

Benchmarking and Performance Reporting

Statewide Program

California State AB 802

State Policy: Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act – SB 350

Benchmarking Report: Due by June 1, annually

Performance Report: N/A

Fees: N/A

Program Summary: Commercial buildings with more than 50,000 sq. ft. and no residential utility accounts, and multifamily residential buildings with more than 50,000 sq. ft. and 17 or more utility accounts must submit whole-building energy benchmarking reports annually.

Enforcement: Per Public Resource Code #25321, the California Energy Commission is able to enforce this law. This code states:¨If after five working days, the owner does not comply, the owner will be subject to a civil penalty (after a hearing that complies with constitutional requirements. Civil Penalty will not be less than $500 nor more than $2,000 for each category of data for each day the violation existed and continues to exist.”

Bay Area Programs By City

San Jose Energy and Water Building Performance Ordinance (BPO)

Local Policy: Climate Smart San Jose

Benchmarking Report: Due by May 1, annually

Performance Report: Due every five years based on building size and last digit of APN

Fees: $150 annual benchmarking reporting fee

Program Summary: Commercial and multifamily buildings 20,000 square feet and over required to submit the whole building energy and water benchmarking report annually to the City. Starting in 2021, buildings must submit a report demonstrating high-performance or efforts toward reducing energy and water use. See program details and schedule for performance compliance here.

Enforcement: “It is unlawful to violate any provision or to fail to comply. Each and every violation shall constitute a separate violation each day for ongoing violations and shall be subject to the remedies and enforcement measures authorized by the Code.”

San Francisco Existing Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance

Local Policy: San Francisco Climate Action Plan

Benchmarking Report: Due annually on April 1*

Performance Report: Required every 5 years for nonresidential buildings

Buildings 50,000 square feet and larger: ASHRAE Level II audit
Buildings 10,000 to 49,999 square feet: ASHRAE Level I audit

Fees: N/A

Program Summary: Existing non-residential buildings with 10,000 square feet or more of space that is heated or cooled and existing multifamily residential buildings with 50,000 square feet or more of space that is heated or cooled. The Ordinance has two separate requirements: whole building energy benchmarking and energy audits.

Enforcement: “Fine can be levied 45 days after the written notice of violation. Buildings of 25,000 sq.ft. and larger can be subject to fines of $100 per day, up to a maximum of $2,500 per violation. Buildings smaller than 25,000 sq.ft. can be subject to fines of $50 per day, up to a maximum of $1,500 per violation.”

Berkeley Building Emissions Saving Ordinance (BESO)

Local Policy: Berkeley Climate Action Plan

Benchmarking Report: Due by July 1, annually for buildings 25,000 sq. ft and above. Buildings 15,000 sq. ft and above will be required to comply beginning July 1, 2022.

Performance Report: Assessment is due every five-years for buildings over 25,000 sq.ft., and time of listing for buildings under 25,000 sq. ft.

Fees: No benchmarking fees. $240 energy assessment filing fee for large buildings over 25,000 sq. ft. See table for a time of sale assessment filing fees.

Program Summary: Commercial and residential buildings below 15,000 sq. ft. are required to complete and submit an energy assessment at the time of sale. Assessments must be completed by registered assessors/auditors. Buildings 15,000 sq.ft. and above must submit benchmarking reports annually, in addition to their assessment requirement. See table:

guidechart — BESO - City of Berkeley, CA - https://www.cityofberkeley.info/BESO/

Enforcement: “Any person who violates the Ordinance may be subject to a fine of $100 for each violation, and an additional fine of up to $25 for each day that the violation continues, up to a maximum of $1,000 per violation.”

Southern California Programs By City

Los Angeles Existing Buildings Energy and Water Efficiency Program (EBEWE)

Local Policy: Los Angeles’ Green New Deal

Benchmarking Report: Due by June 1, annually

Performance Report: Due by December 1, every five-years based on the last digit of your LADBS Building ID

Fees: LADBS registration fee + surcharge for benchmarking is $66.41 / building / year, and $183 per audit/RCx confirmation submittal.

Program Summary: Buildings 20,000 sq ft or more in gross floor area privately owned or owned by a local agency of the State in the City of Los Angeles must report energy and water use annually, and a performance report every five years, based on qualifying performance metrics or prescribed efficiency measures outlined in the ordinance. Head to our EBEWE page for further program details.

Enforcement: Program non-compliance fee of $202 / building, plus disruption to LADBS permitting requests, or transactions. This fee is subject to double digit interest each month.

City of San Diego Building Energy Benchmarking Ordinance

Local Policy: The City of San Diego Climate Action Plan (CAP)

Benchmarking Report: Due by June 1, annually

Performance Report: N/A

Fees: N/A

Program Summary: Commercial buildings over 50,000 square feet and multifamily and mixed-use buildings greater than 50,000 square feet and with 17 or more residential accounts in the City of San Diego are required to submit whole-building energy data (water not required).

Enforcement: Violations may be prosecuted as misdemeanors subject to the fines and custody provided in San Diego Municipal Code. Additionally, the Department Director may seek injunctive relief and civil penalties in the Superior Court pursuant to San Diego Municipal Code.

Book Personal Q&A

Benchmarking Insights

4 Benefits Of Energy Benchmarking

October 3, 2018 admin

Energy Benchmarking measures and reports the energy performance of a given building, ensuring compliance with local and state laws. It also allows for performance comparisons to other benchmarked buildings of a similar size, occupancy and climate.

1. COMPLIANCE

Benchmarking via the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager software is required by both city and state-wide legislature. Cities such as, Los Angeles (EBEWE), San Francisco, and Berkeley have all enacted ordinances requiring commercial and multi-family buildings to conduct an energy audit and report their annual energy usage. Most recently, the State of California has renewed a new energy disclosure law, AB 802, formerly known as AB 1103, requiring annual energy disclosure.

2. COST REDUCTION

Research shows that commercial buildings waste 30% of their energy. Building energy benchmarking empowers its owners by revealing crucial energy use data, pinpointing areas of potential efficiency improvement and cost savings. Such transparency allows owners to remain competitive and to take specific action to increase the longevity of building systems.

Owners who have benchmarked their buildings are more inclined to focus on energy efficiency and have consistently reduced their energy use by an average of 2.4% per year.

3. COMPARISON

Benchmarking is available for 21 different types of facilities and produces an Energy Star Score between 1 and 100, with 100 being the most energy efficiency. The process also calculates the Site and Source Energy Use Intensity (EUI) of the building and compares it against the National Median of CBECS data*. When comparing these scores against similar building types/uses in the software, building owners begin to understand how this performance stands in regards to energy and water efficiency. Owners can take specific steps to mitigate energy shortfalls and improve efficiency, resulting in a higher net operating income.

* Also known as Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey using 2012 survey data.

4. SMARTER DECISION-MAKING

In addition to supplying current snapshots of a building’s energy use, energy benchmarking yields data on past use as well, giving light to patterns of use over time.

Such a window grants owners the viewpoint to make smarter decisions about energy efficiency solutions and energy management and to optimize capital investments into energy-efficient technologies going forward.

Consistent energy benchmarking provides valuable insight as to the building’s performance over time which provides data for decision-making.

SUPPORT

Getting started with benchmarking can often be the biggest hurdle.

Contact Green EconoME to begin the benchmarking process, or to find out more. We have benchmarked over 1400 buildings.

Book Personal Q&A

Immediate Compliance Priorities

June 1 Compliance Cluster

Critical Policy Changes Owners Need To Know

Building Performance Colorado (BPC) Updates

Energize Denver Deemed Compliance

Energize Denver Verification Deadline

Washington State Clean Building Performance Standards (CBPS) Updates

New Ordinances Entering First Compliance Years

New Orleans Building Energy Benchmarking Ordinance

Lakewood Building Performance Program

Additional 2026 Building Performance Deadline Changes

Program

2026 Deadline Update

Why Compliance Matters Beyond Avoiding Penalties

What Building Owners Should Do Right Now

RELEVANT SERVICES

ENERGY & WATER AUDITS

ENERGY STAR® Benchmarking

INCENTIVES & FINANCING

What Are BERDO Emissions Requirements?

How Green Econome Simplifies BERDO Compliance

Avoid Penalties – Act Today!

DOWNLOAD BOSTON BERDO BROCHURE

RELEVANT SERVICES

ENERGY BENCHMARKING

ENERGY & WATER AUDITS

RETROFIT & CONSTRUCTION

What is BERDO Energy Benchmarking in Boston?

What are the Benefits of BERDO?

Maximize Energy Efficiency in Boston with Green Econome’s Energy Benchmarking Services

RELEVANT SERVICES

ENERGY BENCHMARKING

ENERGY & WATER AUDITS

RETROFIT & CONSTRUCTION

UPDATE: The Tolling of Existing Buildings Energy and Water Efficiency (EBEWE) Program Deadlines Has Ended. The New ‘Reissued’ Deadline is September 7, 2023.

Top 3 Takeaways For Tolled Deadline Compliance

Top 3 Tips for EBEWE Compliance

ORIGINAL STORY

The City’s COVID-19 Public Emergency Order Impacts EBEWE Deadlines, While the Program Moves Forward

What Does This Mean? Three Facts You Need To Know About EBEWE Delays

What Does This Mean for My Building? Action Items for Compliance

ORIGINAL: The City’s COVID-19 Public Emergency Order Impacts EBEWE Deadlines, While the Program Moves Forward

What Does This Mean? Three Facts You Need To Know About EBEWE Delays

What Does This Mean for My Building? Action Items for Compliance

ORIGINAL: The City’s COVID-19 Public Emergency Order Impacts EBEWE Deadlines, While the Program Moves Forward

What Does This Mean? Three Facts You Need To Know About EBEWE Delays

What Does This Mean for My Building? Action Items for Compliance

Why Existing Buildings?

5 Tips for Compliance & Becoming a High-Performing Building

Benchmarking Only

Benchmarking and Performance Reporting

Statewide Program

Bay Area Programs By City

Southern California Programs By City

Los Angeles Existing Buildings Energy and Water Efficiency Program (EBEWE)

1. COMPLIANCE

2. COST REDUCTION

3. COMPARISON

4. SMARTER DECISION-MAKING

SUPPORT

ENERGY & WATER
AUDITS

ENERGY & WATER
AUDITS