San Francisco Energy Audit/RCx Deadline: remaining to avoid penalties
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San Francisco Existing Buildings Ordinance (SF EBO) FAQ
Energy Benchmarking & Audit Compliance for Commercial and Multifamily Buildings
Welcome to our comprehensive FAQ on the San Francisco Existing Buildings Ordinance (SF EBO). Whether you manage a commercial building or a multifamily residential property, this guide explains the key energy benchmarking and audit requirements, compliance timelines, and potential exemptions to help you avoid penalties and improve energy performance.
General Information
San Francisco’s Existing Buildings Ordinance—also known as the Existing Commercial Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance or SF EBO—requires owners to measure, report, and improve energy performance. The ordinance targets commercial buildings with 10,000+ square feet of conditioned space and multifamily residential buildings with 50,000+ square feet that is heated or cooled.
Need expert assistance? Contact Insight Energy Consulting to simplify your compliance process.
The ordinance has two primary requirements:
• Energy Audits: Complete an energy audit every five years for commercial buildings.
Stay compliant— reach out to our team for a full assessment of your building’s status.
The ordinance applies to:
• Multifamily Residential Buildings: With 50,000+ square feet of heated or cooled space.
Unsure if your building qualifies? Get a free evaluation from our experts.
The SF EBO aligns with California’s AB802, which mandates energy benchmarking for commercial and multifamily buildings with 50,000+ square feet. Submitting your annual benchmark report to San Francisco meets both local and state requirements.
Simplify your dual compliance—
let Insight Energy Consulting manage your reporting needs.
Benchmarking Requirements
Energy benchmarking is the process of measuring your building’s energy use and comparing it against similar properties. This helps you identify inefficiencies and track performance improvements over time.
To comply, you must:
• Create an account in the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.
• Collect and enter all relevant building energy data.
• Submit your Annual Energy Benchmark Summary to the San Francisco Department of Environment by May 1.
Need help? Our team manages the entire process from data collection to report submission.
Benchmark reports are due each May 1, covering the previous calendar year’s energy usage. Ensure timely submission through the US EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager portal.
Don’t risk penalties—contact us to set up timely reminders and submission support.
Yes, exemptions may apply if:
• Your building is smaller than 10,000 square feet.
• The conditioned space is under 10,000 square feet.
• The building averaged less than 1 person on-site during normal operating hours over the prior year.
Let our experts review your situation to determine eligibility and manage exemption documentation.
Failure to submit on time can lead to fines:
• For buildings under 50,000 square feet: $50 per day, up to $1,250.
Missed deadlines may also be publicly displayed, potentially affecting your reputation.
Avoid penalties — get in touch with our compliance specialists today.
New owners who cannot obtain complete energy data due to a recent sale may submit a formal “statement of inability to comply” for the transaction year and prior years.
Need guidance on the exemption process? Our consultants can help you file the necessary documentation.
If a tenant, who was billed directly by the utility, has moved out, you may be eligible for a one year exemption. This exemption must be formally applied for and approved by the Department of Environment.
Contact us for expert assistance with your exemption application.
Yes. If your building averaged less than one person on-site during typical operating hours over the past year (excluding construction, maintenance, or security staff), you may qualify for an exemption.
Let our experts assess your situation and assist with your exemption application.
No. Even high-performing buildings must participate in the benchmarking program to maintain transparency and data consistency across the city.
Streamline your compliance with our tailored services for certified buildings.
Energy Audit Requirements
• Buildings between 10,000–49,999 square feet: Require an ASHRAE Level 1 audit.
Our certified energy auditors can perform both audit levels to meet all ordinance requirements.
Each non-residential building must receive an energy audit every five years. The San Francisco Department of Environment will notify you within 12 months of your deadline.
Plan ahead—schedule your energy audit with us and stay compliant without last-minute stress.
Energy audits must be conducted by a qualified professional—typically a licensed engineer, certified energy auditor, or another approved specialist as designated by the San Francisco Department of Environment.
Our team meets all qualifications and is ready to perform your audit promptly.
• The building received ENERGY STAR certification within the past 3–5 years.
• The building earned LEED certification within the past 5 years.
• The building is newly constructed (less than 5 years old).
• The building was vacant in the previous calendar year.
• The building has written approval for demolition from a city agency.
Let us evaluate your property to determine eligibility for an audit exemption.
Penalties and Enforcement
Protect your investment—partner with us to maintain full compliance and avoid penalties.
• Checking public compliance records on DataSF.org. • Contacting the Department directly at benchmark@sfenvironment.org.
If you’re unsure of your status, our team can conduct a comprehensive compliance review for you.
Benefits and Resources
• Improve tenant comfort and satisfaction. • Increase property value.
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Strengthen your market position by demonstrating commitment to sustainability.
• Strengthen your market position by demonstrating commitment to sustainability.
Maximize these benefits by leveraging our strategic compliance services.
• Gathering your building’s key information and energy data.
• Creating an ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager account.
• Scheduling your next energy audit (if applicable).
Ready to streamline your compliance process? Contact Insight Energy Consulting today to get started.
For questions related to ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, visit:
https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/benchmark
Need personalized support? Contact Insight Energy Consulting today to speak with our experts about compliance, benchmarking, and energy efficiency improvements.
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