Los Angeles EBEWE Compliance

Comply with Los Angeles EBEWE ordinance requirements with expert help from Inland Empire Energy. We provide energy benchmarking, audits, and reporting to meet LADBS standards. Get started today.

What is the Los Angeles EBEWE Ordinance?

What Is EBEWE?

The Existing Buildings Energy and Water Efficiency (EBEWE) Ordinance is a City of Los Angeles law designed to reduce energy and water consumption in large buildings. It mandates annual benchmarking and five-year performance assessments to improve building efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Who Must Comply?

Compliance is required for:

  • Privately owned buildings in Los Angeles that are 20,000 square feet or larger

  • City-owned buildings ≥ 7,500 sq ft

  • Buildings owned by local agencies of the state ≥ 20,000 sq ft

Exemptions apply to:

  • Buildings under renovation, demolition, or with no utility service for the reporting year

  • New buildings occupied for less than five years

  • See ordinance for full exclusions.

What’s Required?

Annual Benchmarking

Submit your building’s energy and water usage data to the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) using ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager.

  • Due Date: June 1st every year

Benchmarking reports must include:

  • ENERGY STAR score (if available)

  • Site and source Energy Use Intensity (EUI)

  • Carbon emissions

  • Indoor/outdoor water use and intensity

  • Irrigated area (if applicable)

Every 5 Years: Performance Assessment

Buildings must undergo:

  • ASHRAE Level II Energy Audit

  • Water Audit

  • Retro-Commissioning (RCx) of base building systems

  • Due Date: December 1st of your building’s compliance year (based on LADBS Building ID)

Exemptions from audits may apply if:

  • ENERGY STAR Certification is achieved (current or recent years)

  • Energy or water use intensity is significantly reduced

  • Specific retrofit measures are implemented (e.g., cool roof, pipe insulation, low-flow fixtures)

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply may result in a noncompliance fee of $202. LADBS may waive fees if delays are due to utility data issues, ownership changes, or other qualifying hardships.

  • Please note that payment of the non-compliance fee does not result in Compliance. The building will remain out of compliance with the City of Los Angeles and, as with any Los Angeles Municipal Code violation, will be subject to further legal action. Additionally, the status of each building (Complied or Not Complied) is posted publicly and, in the future, may be recorded on the property as an open violation.

Full Ordinance Details

https://dbs.lacity.gov/services/green-building-sustainability/ebewe

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How We Help

Benchmarking

We provide complete energy and water benchmarking services using ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager. Our team ensures accurate data collection, validation, and submission in full compliance with the Los Angeles EBEWE Ordinance.

Performance Assessments (Audits, A/RCx)

Our team—led by a California licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and Certified Energy Manager (CEM)—conducts ASHRAE Level II energy audits and retro-commissioning in accordance with ASHRAE Guidelines. We assess HVAC, lighting, water heating, and renewable systems to identify cost-saving improvements.

Water Audits

We evaluate potable water systems, irrigation, reuse systems, and water features to optimize water performance and identify retrofit opportunities.

Exemption Strategies That Save You Money

Not every building needs a full audit. We evaluate your eligibility for exemptions—like ENERGY STAR certification or recent retrofits—and help you avoid unnecessary costs while staying fully compliant.

Reporting

We manage the entire compliance process—from documentation to submission and confirmation with LADBS—so you stay informed and compliant without the administrative burden.

Why Choose Inland Empire Energy

Proven Experience Across Compliance Programs

We bring hands-on experience in benchmarking, energy audits, water audits, and retro-commissioning for both commercial and multifamily buildings—ensuring your property meets EBEWE requirements with confidence.

Locally Owned by a Licensed Professional

Our firm is independently owned and operated by a California licensed engineer, offering you direct access to technical expertise and personalized service—not a faceless corporate team.

Insights Backed by Real Building Data

We don’t rely on assumptions or generic models. Our recommendations are grounded in your building’s actual performance data, delivering accurate, actionable insights you can trust.

Cost-Conscious, Value-Focused

We prioritize efficiency and ROI. If an exemption applies or a reduced scope makes more financial sense, we’ll guide you there—always with your bottom line in mind.

Responsive, Client-Centered Communication

We keep you informed with clear, timely updates and a commitment to your satisfaction. No upselling. No jargon. Just honest, expert guidance.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • A non-compliance or late compliance fee of $202 will be issued, and a notice will be sent to the building owner's mailing address. This fee may be subject to late fees, collection fees, and interest as defined in LAMC Sec. 98.0411.
    Please note: Payment of the non-compliance fee does not result in compliance. The building will remain out of compliance and may be subject to further legal action. Additionally, compliance status is publicly posted and may eventually be recorded on the property as an open violation.

  • No. The EBEWE ordinance only requires that the audit be completed. Implementation of recommendations is not mandatory.

  • No. Only a Declaration of Completion is submitted to the city for approval. The full audit report is retained by the building owner and is not forwarded to the city.

    • The A/RCx Audit requires an ASHRAE Level 2 audit, which includes a full walkthrough of the building and a detailed analysis of energy and water usage.

    • The Benchmarking process is conducted online using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and provides a high-level assessment of the building’s energy and water performance based on utility data.

  • At Inland Empire Energy, we always explore exemption pathways first to help clients save money and simplify compliance. However, most properties do not qualify for exemptions. The EBEWE program outlines several exemption criteria, but only a select group of buildings meet these requirements.

Need More Help?

Ready to Get Compliant?

Fill out the form below and our team will reach out within 1 business day to help you meet your EBEWE compliance requirements—fast, accurate, and stress-free.

Prefer to connect directly?
Call us at 909-906-0840
Email us at team@inlandempireenergy.com