Resources
Expert insights, practical resources, and compliance updates to help you optimize building performance.
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.
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.
How EBEWE Exemptions Can Reduce the Cost of Your Audit
Many Los Angeles building owners are surprised to learn that not every property must go through a full energy and water audit under the EBEWE program. Depending on your building type, past efficiency improvements, or performance metrics, you may qualify for exemptions that save time and money. In this post, we break down the most common exemptions—such as ENERGY STAR certification, LEED status, or recent retro-commissioning—and explain how to determine if your building is eligible. Even if you qualify for an exemption, proper documentation is essential to avoid penalties. Our team at Inland Empire Energy helps building owners confirm eligibility, gather paperwork, and lower compliance costs.
How Energy Compliance Drives Decarbonization
Energy compliance is reshaping sustainability in California’s cities. From benchmarking to audits, local ordinances are turning data into action—cutting emissions and improving building performance. This blog explores how compliance drives decarbonization and helps owners future-proof their assets. Learn how to turn regulatory requirements into strategic upgrades that benefit both the planet and your bottom line.
From Benchmarking to Retro-Commissioning
With Los Angeles’ EBEWE ordinance in full effect, compliance means more than submitting reports—it’s about using your data to drive real improvements. At Inland Empire Energy, we help building owners turn benchmarking into action through audits, retrofits, and smart planning.
From identifying inefficiencies to managing documentation, we make compliance simple—and cost-effective. Ready to go beyond the minimum? Contact us for a free compliance review.
Why Small Firms Are Winning the Customer Service Game in Energy Compliance
In the fast-paced world of energy compliance, small firms are quietly outperforming their larger counterparts—not with size, but with service. From faster communication and tailored solutions to competitive pricing and deeper accountability, small energy compliance companies are proving that personalized support and agility matter more than ever. As regulations tighten and deadlines loom, building owners are discovering that when it comes to customer service, smaller really can mean smarter.
Why Energy Benchmarking Isn’t Just a Box to Check – It’s a Strategy
In California’s tightening regulatory landscape, energy benchmarking has evolved from a compliance task into a strategic advantage. Cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, and Berkeley now require property owners to track and report energy and water usage—but those who go beyond the checkbox can unlock operational savings, boost property value, and access valuable incentives. Benchmarking isn’t just about meeting mandates—it’s about making smarter decisions for a more efficient, sustainable future.
Energy Benchmarking Requirements Throughout California: A City-by-City Guide
California leads the nation in energy efficiency, and energy benchmarking is a key part of that progress. This guide breaks down the statewide AB802 law and local ordinances in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose—helping property owners understand compliance deadlines, avoid fines, and improve building performance.
How to Choose the Right Energy Auditor for EBEWE Compliance
If you own a commercial building over 20,000 sq. ft. in Los Angeles, you're required to comply with the EBEWE Ordinance—this includes an ASHRAE Level II Energy Audit and retro-commissioning every five years. Inland Empire Energy makes compliance easy with certified audits, integrated RCx services, and transparent pricing. Our expert team delivers actionable insights to boost efficiency, cut costs, and enhance sustainability—all with top-tier customer service.
Missed SF Energy Audit Deadline? Here’s How to Stay Compliant
Missed San Francisco’s April 1st energy audit deadline? Don’t worry—there’s still time to avoid fines and stay compliant. Learn how Inland Empire Energy can help you extend your deadline by submitting proof of contract and navigating the city’s energy ordinance requirements with ease.
The ROI of Energy Audits: How EBEWE Compliance Can Save You Money
Energy audits for buildings in Los Angeles under the EBEWE ordinance offer substantial ROI. Required every five years for buildings over 20,000 square feet, these audits assess systems to identify inefficiencies. Compliance leads to lower utility bills and reduced maintenance costs. Inland Empire Energy provides affordable audits to help property owners achieve savings.
What Happens If You Miss the EBEWE Compliance Deadline?
Missing an EBEWE compliance deadline can lead to costly fines, legal notices, and long-term risks to your property’s value and efficiency. As a property owner, it's crucial to know the consequences of non-compliance, including daily penalties, public violations, and missed sustainability goals. Click here and learn how you can avoid these fines and how to get back on track if you've already missed compliance deadlines.
EBEWE Compliance and Its Effectiveness for Los Angeles
EBEWE compliance is a strategic approach that aligns with Los Angeles' sustainability goals. It promotes energy and water efficiency, leading to significant cost savings for building owners through reduced utility bills and enhanced property values. Embracing EBEWE compliance benefits both the individual and the community, making it a win-win strategy for all.
Harnessing Solar Power
Solar energy, through solar thermal water heating and photovoltaic (PV) systems, offers a clean and cost-effective way for commercial and multifamily buildings to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. By harnessing the sun's power, these buildings can achieve significant energy savings, lower operational costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Benchmarking Your Building's Performance
Benchmarking helps measure and improve building energy and water efficiency. By comparing a building's performance to similar buildings, owners can identify areas for improvement and reduce costs. The EBEWE program in Los Angeles mandates benchmarking for large buildings, contributing to sustainability goals.
Interpreting Energy and Water Usage in Buildings
Understanding how buildings use energy and water is key to optimizing resource efficiency and reducing costs. By analyzing consumption patterns in various building types, it's possible to identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance efficiency and sustainability. Upgrading equipment, optimizing operations, and regular maintenance can significantly reduce energy and water consumption.
Electrification
The transition to electrification is a key component of achieving a more sustainable and energy-efficient future. By replacing traditional fossil fuel-powered equipment with electric alternatives, buildings can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and improve overall performance. This blog post will explore the benefits of electrifying modern building equipment, both residential and commercial, and discuss its relevance to EBEWE compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
-
Energy benchmarking is the process of tracking a building’s energy use and comparing it to similar buildings to understand its performance over time.
-
It helps identify opportunities for energy savings, reduces operating costs, and ensures compliance with local regulations.
-
An energy audit is a detailed assessment of a building's energy use, identifying ways to improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
-
Retro-commissioning is the process of tuning up a building's systems to ensure they are operating efficiently and as intended.
-
These programs aim to reduce energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainability.
-
Typically, benchmarking is required annually, but specific deadlines may vary by city.
-
An energy audit identifies energy-saving opportunities, while retro-commissioning ensures existing systems are operating efficiently.
-
No, energy audits must be conducted by a qualified professional to ensure accuracy and compliance.
-
Improved system performance, reduced energy costs, and extended equipment life.
-
It is an online tool used to measure and track energy and water consumption, as well as greenhouse gas emissions.
Los Angeles EBEWE
-
The EBEWE program applies to existing buildings in Los Angeles that are 20,000 square feet or larger.
-
Benchmarking reports must be submitted annually by June 1st and 5-year audits by December 1st.
-
Create an LADBS account, register your building, and submit the benchmarking report using Portfolio Manager.
-
You may face fines and penalties for non-compliance.
-
Use the Energy Star Portfolio Manager to benchmark your building and submit the data to LADBS.
-
EBEWE is a Los Angeles ordinance requiring buildings to benchmark energy and water use and perform audits and retro-commissioning.
-
Buildings 20,000 square feet or larger in Los Angeles are subject to EBEWE requirements.
-
Penalties can include fines and enforcement actions by the city.
-
Yes, you can request an extension from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS).
Partners
We collaborate with trusted partners who specialize in rebate access, equipment installation, and implementation services—complementing our core expertise in energy management, energy audits and benchmarking to deliver end-to-end energy solutions.
Contact Us Today
For all your city energy compliance needs, including auditing, benchmarking, exemptions, and certifications, reach out to IE Energy. We're here to ensure you meet all local regulations.