• The San José Energy and Water Building Performance Ordinance (Chapter 17.85) is a local law requiring:

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

    • Periodic audits, retro-commissioning, or efficiency improvements for buildings that do not meet performance standards.

    • Public disclosure of building performance data.

    Its purpose is to improve building efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support informed decision-making by owners, tenants, and the public.

  • Compliance is required for:

    • Privately-owned residential or nonresidential buildings with 20,000 square feet or more of gross floor area.

    • City-owned buildings with 15,000 square feet or more.

    • Exemptions apply to single-family, duplex, four-plex buildings, residential hotels, utility pumping stations, and certain industrial buildings (§17.85.120).

  • Annual Benchmarking Report

    • Submitted using ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager.

    • Includes energy and water use, emissions, ENERGY STAR® and Water Scores, and performance metrics.

    • Due annually by May 1 (§17.85.300, §17.85.510).

    Performance Verification or Improvement (Every 5 Years)

    Buildings must either:

    • Meet performance standards (e.g., ENERGY STAR® Score ≥75, LEED certification, 15% improvement in EUI or Water Use Intensity), or

    • Complete one of the following:

      • Audit (ASHRAE Level 2 or utility-based)

      • Retro-commissioning

      • Efficiency improvement measures (e.g., lighting upgrades, smart thermostats, water-efficient landscaping)

    Due every five years, based on the last digit of the Santa Clara County Assessor’s Parcel Number (§17.85.520).

  • The City publishes:

    • Property address and use type

    • Summary performance data

    • Compliance status

    This data is updated annually (§17.85.330).

  • Each day of non-compliance is considered a separate violation and may result in enforcement actions (§17.85.550).

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Move Forward With Confidence

We understand that energy compliance can feel like another expensive requirement with little benefit to property owners. That's why we focus on simplifying the process, eliminating confusion, and delivering practical recommendations that help clients move forward with confidence.

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    • Submitted using ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager.

    • Includes energy and water use, emissions, ENERGY STAR® and Water Scores, and performance metrics.

    • Due annually by May 1 (§17.85.300, §17.85.510).

  • Our qualified professionals deliver:

    • ASHRAE Level 2 audits for energy systems.

    • Water audits covering potable systems, irrigation, reuse, and water features.

    • Retro-commissioning of HVAC, lighting, water heating, and renewable systems.

    Each report includes system diagnostics, savings estimates, and compliance-ready documentation.

  • We help implement and document qualifying upgrades such as:

    • ENERGY STAR® appliance replacements

    • Smart thermostats

    • Water-efficient landscaping

    • Utility rebate program participation

    We prepare and submit all required reports and maintain records for future inspections.

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Why Choose IE Energy

  • We specialize in Chapter 17.85 compliance, with a thorough understanding of San José’s benchmarking, audit, retro-commissioning, and reporting requirements. Our team stays current with ordinance updates, deadlines, and exemption criteria—so you don’t have to.

  • Our firm is owned and operated by a California-licensed Professional Engineer (PE) with extensive experience in building systems, energy auditing, and water efficiency. You get direct access to a qualified expert—not a sales rep—ensuring technical accuracy and accountability.

  • We handle every aspect of ordinance compliance:

    • ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager setup and benchmarking

    • ASHRAE Level 2 audits and water audits

    • Retro-commissioning and efficiency upgrades

    • Documentation, reporting, and recordkeeping

    • Exemption evaluation and appeals support

    We track your deadlines and maintain your records for five years, as required by the ordinance.

  • Our recommendations are based on actual building performance data, not generic templates. We provide:

    • Verified energy and water use diagnostics

    • Payback and net present value analysis

    • Strategic upgrade planning based on ordinance pathways

    We help you prioritize measures with the strongest ROI and avoid unnecessary spending.

  • We help you identify and pursue exemptions for:

    • ENERGY STAR® or LEED-certified buildings

    • Financial distress

    • Unoccupied or newly constructed properties

    • Non-submetered residential buildings under 50,000 sq ft

    We prepare and submit all supporting documentation to the City on your behalf.

  • We believe in clear communication, no hidden fees, and no upselling. Our goal is to keep your building compliant, efficient, and ahead of regulatory changes—with honest guidance and responsive support.

LET'S CONNECT

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Single-family homes, duplexes, four-plexes, residential hotels, utility pumping stations, and certain industrial buildings are exempt. Buildings under 20,000 sq ft are also not subject to the ordinance (§17.85.120).

  • A Covered Property is one with either:

    • No residential utility accounts, or

    • Five or more active utility accounts of one type, with at least one being residential (§17.85.200.H).

  • The ENERGY STAR® Score (1–100) measures a building’s energy efficiency compared to similar buildings nationwide. A score of 75 or higher qualifies for ENERGY STAR® certification and may exempt your building from audit requirements (§17.85.200.O, §17.85.410).

  • Retro-commissioning is a process to optimize existing building systems by correcting inefficiencies. It may be required every five years if your building does not meet performance standards (§17.85.420.B).

  • Buildings may be exempt from audits or retro-commissioning if they:

    • Are newly constructed (under 5 years old)

    • Have ENERGY STAR® or LEED certification

    • Show significant performance improvements over time (§17.85.410)

Ready to Get Compliant?

Fill out the form 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@ieenergy.com