Insights
Welcome to Insights, your source for expert advice on energy efficiency and city compliance. Explore our blog for the latest tips, trends, and regulatory updates to help you stay informed and efficient.
A Practical Guide to California’s Building Energy Compliance Landscape (2026)
California’s building energy compliance requirements are becoming more complex and strictly enforced. As cities expand benchmarking, audit, and performance mandates, building owners face increasing pressure to submit accurate data, meet deadlines, and act on identified inefficiencies. This guide breaks down the key state and local programsas we go through 2026, including EBEWE, San Francisco’s EBO, and AB 802, while outlining practical steps owners can take to stay compliant, reduce operating costs, and turn regulatory requirements into long-term operational advantages.
What Happens If You Miss an Energy Compliance Deadline in California?
Missing an energy compliance deadline in California can lead to fines, enforcement notices, and public compliance issues if not addressed quickly. As cities tighten oversight of benchmarking, audits, and retro-commissioning requirements, building owners must understand how violations are handled and how to recover efficiently. This article explains what happens after a missed deadline, how penalties escalate, and what practical steps owners can take to prevent repeat violations and regain control of compliance.
Energy Goals Are Easy to Set in January. Harder to Maintain in July.
Energy goals are easy to set at the start of the year, but many buildings lose momentum by summer. This article explores why energy strategies break down midyear, and how consistent monitoring and operational discipline turn annual goals into measurable, year-round performance improvements.
How AI Will Change Energy Audits in the Next 3 Years
Discover how AI will reshape energy audits in the next three years, from smarter data analysis to continuous optimization and stronger compliance outcomes for building owners.
Why Utility Rates Are Outpacing Inflation — and What That Means for Building Strategy
Learn why utility costs are outpacing inflation and how building owners can protect NOI and reduce expenses through audits, efficiency upgrades, and strategic compliance.
The Rise of Performance-Based Codes: Why Efficiency Scores Matter More Than Reports
Cities across California are shifting from simple reporting requirements to performance-based energy codes, and the change is reshaping how building owners must think about compliance. Submitting a benchmarking report is no longer enough. Regulators now look at how well a building actually performs, how efficiently it operates, and whether owners are making measurable improvements over time. This blog explains why efficiency scores now matter more than paperwork, how performance-based standards are influencing property value, and what owners can do today to prepare for stricter city mandates.
The Future Tenant: Why Energy Performance is Becoming a Leasing Priority
As California’s building performance standards evolve, transparency in energy data is reshaping how owners, investors, and tenants value real estate. With new benchmarking and disclosure rules across Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Berkeley, energy performance is no longer just a compliance metric—it’s a business signal. This article explores how data-driven insights are influencing property investment decisions and how proactive owners can leverage compliance efforts into strategic advantages.
What The End of 2025 Means for Building Owners
Learn how EBEWE, BPO, and other California energy laws affect building owners as 2025 comes to a close. Find out how early action can cut costs, avoid fines, and boost value.
From Data to Decisions: How Benchmarking Leads to Smarter Investments
Discover how energy benchmarking turns compliance into strategy. Learn how EBEWE, San Francisco, San Jose, and Berkeley programs drive smarter investments.
Qualifying For Base Building Exemption: What Owners Need To Know
Learn how to qualify for a Base Building Exemption under LA’s EBEWE program. Save money, avoid unnecessary audits, and streamline energy compliance.
Energy Compliance and ESG: Why Investors Are Paying Attention
Discover how energy compliance programs like EBEWE and BESO align with ESG goals, boosting NOI, tenant demand, and investor confidence.
Mastering Energy Compliance: A Guide to California’s EBEWE, BPO, BESO & AB 802 Programs
Mastering Energy Compliance with Inland Empire Energy: your guide to navigating California’s EBEWE, BPO, BESO & AB 802 programs seamlessly.