How to Choose the Right Energy Auditor for EBEWE Compliance
If you own or manage a commercial building in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, you're likely familiar with the city's Existing Buildings Energy and Water Efficiency (EBEWE) Ordinance. This regulation mandates energy and water audits, along with retro-commissioning (RCx), every five years for buildings over 20,000 square feet. Compliance requires an ASHRAE Level II Energy Audit conducted by a qualified professional.
Choosing the right energy auditor is crucial, not only for compliance but also for uncovering opportunities to enhance your building's efficiency and reduce operational costs. I’m here to give you a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding EBEWE and ASHRAE Level II Audits
The EBEWE guidelines aim to improve energy and water efficiency in existing buildings throughout Los Angeles. In an effort to make the city more sustainable, all commercial building owners are required to:
Benchmark their building's energy and water usage annually.
Conduct an ASHRAE Level II Energy Audit and RCx every five years (an ASHRAE Level II Audit involves a detailed analysis of your building's energy systems, identifying inefficiencies and recommending cost-effective improvements) This audit includes:
A thorough review of energy bills and operating data.
On-site inspections of energy systems.
Interviews with facility personnel.
Identification of energy conservation measures (ECMs) with estimated costs and savings.
Compliance with EBEWE ensures your building operates efficiently and avoids potential fines.
Key Factors in Selecting Your Energy Auditor
1. ASHRAE Certification and Experience
Ensure the auditor is certified by the state of California and experienced in conducting ASHRAE Level II audits. They should have a track record of working with commercial buildings similar to yours, and they should definitely be familiar with EBEWE requirements.
2. Comprehensive Reporting
The audit report should provide clear, actionable recommendations, including:
Detailed analysis of current energy usage.
Identification of ECMs with cost-benefit analysis.
Prioritized and curated recommendations for improvements.
3. Knowledge of Local Regulations
The auditor should be well-versed in Los Angeles' EBEWE Ordinance and any other relevant local regulations to ensure full compliance. Depending on what city your building is located in, compliance regulations may vary.
4. Integration of RCx Services
Since EBEWE requires both an energy audit and RCx, selecting a provider that offers both services can streamline the compliance process. At Inland Empire Energy, we can offer referrals and recommendations for the best general contractors in the area.
5. Transparent Pricing
Request a detailed proposal outlining all costs associated with the audit and RCx services. This transparency helps avoid unexpected expenses, which are unfortunately not uncommon when getting an audit conducted.
Benefits of a Quality Energy Audit
Beyond just compliance, a thorough energy audit can:
Reduce Operating Costs: Identifying and implementing energy conservation measures can lead to significant energy savings.
Enhance Building Performance: Improved energy efficiency can increase occupant comfort and satisfaction.
Increase Property Value: Energy-efficient buildings are more attractive to tenants and buyers.
Contribute to Sustainability Goals: Reducing energy consumption aligns with broader environmental objectives. With increased energy conservation measures, many building owners can now say they run a company with zero carbon emissions. Quite a great way to build a positive reputation.
So Why Choose Inland Empire Energy?
At Inland Empire Energy, we specialize in helping building owners navigate EBEWE compliance with ease. Our team of certified professionals offers:
Expertise in ASHRAE Level II Audits: We conduct thorough audits tailored to your building's unique needs.
Integrated RCx Services: Our comprehensive approach ensures all EBEWE requirements are met efficiently.
Detailed Reporting: We provide clear, actionable recommendations to enhance your building's performance, offering recommendations for the region’s best general contractors.
Local Knowledge: Our familiarity with Los Angeles regulations ensures seamless compliance.
Cost Transparency: Detailed proposals are provided up-front with the full cost of the audit. Pricing is based solely off the square footage of your building. Because we use in-house engineers, we are about 25% cheaper than our competitors.
Unbeatable Customer Service: Many of our clients come to us after experiencing delays, poor communication, or lack of follow-through elsewhere. This is not us. I guarantee you we will provide responsive and reliable customer service. It is what we pride ourselves on.
Partnering with us means more than just meeting regulatory requirements; it's about optimizing your building's energy performance for long-term success. We’re a small team with big-league expertise. That means you get top-tier engineering and compliance support, without inflated costs or impersonal service of a larger company.
Ready to Get Started?
Don't wait until the compliance deadline approaches. Contact us today and ensure your building meets all EBEWE requirements.
