San Francisco - Existing Buildings Energy Ordinance (EBO)

Comply with San Francisco's Existing Buildings Energy Ordinance (EBO) requirements with expert help from Inland Empire Energy. We provide energy benchmarking, audits, and reporting to meet San Francisco EBO standards. Get started today.

What is the San Francisco EBO Ordinance?

What Is EBO?

The Existing Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance (EBO) is a San Francisco law requiring:

  • Annual benchmarking of energy use for nonresidential and large multifamily buildings.

  • Periodic energy audits for nonresidential buildings.

  • Public disclosure of energy performance data. Its purpose is to encourage energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and inform building owners, tenants, and the public about building energy performance (§2000).

Who Must Comply?

Compliance is required for:

  • Nonresidential buildings with 10,000 square feet or more of heated/cooled space.

  • Residential buildings (multifamily) with 50,000 square feet or more of heated/cooled space.

  • Municipal buildings over 10,000 square feet, under a separate compliance plan or standard requirements (§2002, §2006).

What’s Required?

  • Annual Energy Benchmark Summary (AEBS):

    • Submitted using ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager.

    • Includes energy use, emissions, and performance ratings.

    • Due annually by April 1 (§2003, §2004).

  • Energy Efficiency Audits (Nonresidential only):

    • Level I Audit for buildings 10,000–49,999 sq ft.

    • Level II Audit for buildings ≥50,000 sq ft.

    • Required every five years.

    • Must be conducted by qualified professionals (§2002).

  • Public Disclosure:

    • Summary data is published by the Department of the Environment.

    • Tenants must be notified of energy performance (§2003).

  • Exceptions:

    • New construction (<5 years old).

    • ENERGY STAR® label for 3 of past 5 years.

    • LEED-EBOM certification.

    • Financial distress or portfolio-based extensions (§2008).

Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • Written warning issued first.

  • If unresolved after 45 days:

    • Fines up to $100/day for buildings ≥50,000 sq ft (max 25 days/year).

    • Fines up to $50/day for smaller buildings (max 25 days/year).

  • Fines fund enforcement and implementation of the ordinance (§2009).

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5 +

Years of Experience

200 +

Satisfied Clients

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Completed Projects

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4+

Cities Served

How We Help

Annual Energy Benchmarking

We provide full-service benchmarking for buildings subject to EBO.

Using ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager, we:

  • Collect and validate 12 months of whole-building energy data.

  • Calculate key metrics like Energy Use Intensity (EUI) and carbon emissions.

  • Submit your Annual Energy Benchmark Summary (AEBS) to the San Francisco Department of the Environment by the required deadline.

  • Ensure your data is ready for public disclosure and tenant notification, as mandated by EBO §2003.

  • We also provide insights into your ENERGY STAR® score and help you track performance trends over time.

Energy Efficiency Audits

Our audits are conducted by professionals who meet EBO’s strict qualifications (§2002(c)), including:

  • Licensed Professional Engineer (PE)

  • Certified Energy Manager (CEM)

We deliver:

  • ASHRAE Level I audits for buildings 10,000–49,999 sq ft.

  • ASHRAE Level II audits for buildings ≥50,000 sq ft.

Each audit includes:

  • A full inventory of energy systems.

  • Identification of retro-commissioning and retrofit measures.

  • Cost-benefit analysis using simple payback and net present value.

  • A signed audit report that meets or exceeds EBO and ASHRAE standards.

We also help you determine if your building qualifies for audit exemptions (e.g., ENERGY STAR® label, LEED certification, or recent audits).

Reporting

We handle every step of the compliance process:

  • Prepare and submit all required documentation (AEBS, audit confirmations).

  • Track your building’s compliance schedule and notify you of upcoming deadlines.

  • Respond to City requests for corrections or quality assurance reviews.

  • Maintain records for future audits and inspections.

Our proactive approach helps you avoid penalties of up to $100/day and ensures your building remains in full compliance.

Why Choose Inland Empire Energy

Expertise in San Francisco’s EBO Ordinance

We specialize in helping building owners comply with the Existing Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance (EBO). Our team understands the nuances of San Francisco’s benchmarking and audit requirements, ensuring your building meets every deadline and standard with precision.

Owned and Operated by a Licensed Professional
Inland Empire Energy is led by a California-licensed Professional Engineer (PE) with deep experience in energy auditing and building systems. You get direct access to a qualified expert—not a middleman—ensuring technical accuracy, accountability, and personalized service.

Real Data, Real Results
We don’t rely on assumptions or generic templates. Our recommendations are based on actual building performance data, including:

  • Verified energy use and emissions

  • System-level diagnostics

  • Payback and net present value calculations

This means you get actionable insights tailored to your building—not one-size-fits-all advice.

Smart, Cost-Conscious Solutions
We help you comply efficiently and affordably:

  • Identify and pursue EBO exemptions when applicable (e.g., ENERGY STAR® or LEED certification)

  • Recommend only measures with strong financial justification

  • Scale scope to match your building’s actual savings potential

Responsive, Client-Centered Support
We prioritize clear, timely communication and a client-first approach. No upselling. No hidden fees. Just honest guidance and reliable support to keep your building compliant and your team informed.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • If you fail to submit your Annual Energy Benchmark Summary or required audit documentation, the City may issue a written warning. Continued non-compliance can result in daily fines—up to $100/day for large buildings and $50/day for smaller ones, for up to 25 days per year.

  • Energy audits are required every five years for nonresidential buildings. The audit level depends on your building size:

    • Level I for buildings between 10,000–49,999 sq ft

    • Level II for buildings ≥50,000 sq ft

  • Yes. You may qualify for an exemption if your building:

    • Was built within the last 5 years

    • Has earned the ENERGY STAR® label for 3 of the past 5 years

    • Is LEED-EBOM certified

    • Is experiencing financial hardship

    We help clients identify and document exemptions to reduce unnecessary costs.

    • The AEBS includes:

      • 12 months of whole-building energy data

      • ENERGY STAR® score

      • Energy Use Intensity (EUI)

      • Carbon emissions

      • Fuel breakdown (electricity, gas, steam) This data must be submitted annually by April 1.

  • We offer turnkey services:

    • Collect and verify your building’s energy data

    • Conduct required audits with licensed professionals

    • Prepare and submit all documentation

    • Track deadlines and handle City communications You stay compliant without the stress or guesswork.

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 EBO compliance requirements—fast, accurate, and stress-free.

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