In California’s tightening regulatory landscape, energy benchmarking has evolved from a compliance task into a strategic advantage. Cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, and Berkeley now require property owners to track and report energy and water usage—but those who go beyond the checkbox can unlock operational savings, boost property value, and access valuable incentives. Benchmarking isn’t just about meeting mandates—it’s about making smarter decisions for a more efficient, sustainable future.

California leads the nation in energy efficiency, and energy benchmarking is a key part of that progress. This guide breaks down the statewide AB802 law and local ordinances in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose—helping property owners understand compliance deadlines, avoid fines, and improve building performance.

If you own a commercial building over 20,000 sq. ft. in Los Angeles, you're required to comply with the EBEWE Ordinance—this includes an ASHRAE Level II Energy Audit and retro-commissioning every five years. Inland Empire Energy makes compliance easy with certified audits, integrated RCx services, and transparent pricing. Our expert team delivers actionable insights to boost efficiency, cut costs, and enhance sustainability—all with top-tier customer service.

Missed San Francisco’s April 1st energy audit deadline? Don’t worry—there’s still time to avoid fines and stay compliant. Learn how Inland Empire Energy can help you extend your deadline by submitting proof of contract and navigating the city’s energy ordinance requirements with ease.

Energy audits for buildings in Los Angeles under the EBEWE ordinance offer substantial ROI. Required every five years for buildings over 20,000 square feet, these audits assess systems to identify inefficiencies. Compliance leads to lower utility bills and reduced maintenance costs. Inland Empire Energy provides affordable audits to help property owners achieve savings.

Missing an EBEWE compliance deadline can lead to costly fines, legal notices, and long-term risks to your property’s value and efficiency. As a property owner, it's crucial to know the consequences of non-compliance, including daily penalties, public violations, and missed sustainability goals. Click here and learn how you can avoid these fines and how to get back on track if you've already missed compliance deadlines. 

EBEWE compliance is a strategic approach that aligns with Los Angeles' sustainability goals. It promotes energy and water efficiency, leading to significant cost savings for building owners through reduced utility bills and enhanced property values. Embracing EBEWE compliance benefits both the individual and the community, making it a win-win strategy for all.

Solar energy, through solar thermal water heating and photovoltaic (PV) systems, offers a clean and cost-effective way for commercial and multifamily buildings to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. By harnessing the sun's power, these buildings can achieve significant energy savings, lower operational costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Benchmarking helps measure and improve building energy and water efficiency. By comparing a building's performance to similar buildings, owners can identify areas for improvement and reduce costs. The EBEWE program in Los Angeles mandates benchmarking for large buildings, contributing to sustainability goals.

Understanding how buildings use energy and water is key to optimizing resource efficiency and reducing costs. By analyzing consumption patterns in various building types, it's possible to identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance efficiency and sustainability. Upgrading equipment, optimizing operations, and regular maintenance can significantly reduce energy and water consumption.

The transition to electrification is a key component of achieving a more sustainable and energy-efficient future. By replacing traditional fossil fuel-powered equipment with electric alternatives, buildings can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and improve overall performance. This blog post will explore the benefits of electrifying modern building equipment, both residential and commercial, and discuss its relevance to EBEWE compliance.