San Francisco - Existing Buildings Energy Ordinance (EBO)

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 Los Angeles law requiring large buildings to reduce energy and water use through annual benchmarking and five-year performance assessments.

Who Must Comply?

  • Privately owned buildings ≥ 20,000 sq ft in the City of Los Angeles.

  • Applies to commercial and multifamily properties.

  • Exemptions may apply for new buildings, low-occupancy sites, or recent audits.

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 the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager.

    • Due Date: June 1st every year.

  • Every 5 Years: Performance Assessment

    • ASHRAE Level II Energy Audit

    • Water Audit

    • Retro-Commissioning (RCx)

    • Due Date: December 1st of your building’s compliance year.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • See FAQ below for details regarding penalties.

Full Ordinance Details

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

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How We Help

Benchmarking

We provide comprehensive energy and water benchmarking services using ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager. Our team ensures your building’s data is accurately collected, verified, and submitted in compliance with local and state ordinances like EBEWE and AB 802.

Performance Assessments (Audits, A/RCx)

Our licensed Professional Engineer (PE), Certified Energy Manager (CEM), and team of energy efficiency specialists deliver ASHRAE Level II energy audits and retro-commissioning (RCx) services. We identify actionable improvements to help your building meet performance requirements and reduce operating costs.

Reporting

All of our services are turnkey—we handle every step of the compliance process, including documentation, submission to the appropriate governing agencies (such as LADBS), and confirmation of project acceptance. You stay informed and compliant without the hassle.

Why Choose Inland Empire Energy

Diverse Experience Across Compliance Programs
We bring hands-on expertise in a wide range of energy efficiency and compliance programs, including benchmarking, audits, and performance reporting.

Locally Owned by a Licensed Professional
Inland Empire Energy is independently owned and operated by a licensed expert—ensuring accountability, technical accuracy, and personalized service.

Data-Driven, Not Assumption-Based
Our recommendations are grounded in real building data—not generic industry estimates—so you get accurate, actionable insights.

Cost-Conscious, Value-Focused
We prioritize cost-effective solutions, pursue exemptions when applicable, and reduce project scope if savings potential doesn’t justify the investment.

Responsive, Client-Centered Communication
We focus on clear, timely communication with a commitment to client satisfaction—not upselling or profit-first tactics.

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