San Francisco’s Existing Buildings Ordinance (EBO) requires owners of nonresidential buildings 10,000+ sq ft and multifamily residential buildings 50,000+ sq ft to benchmark energy use annually and complete energy audits every five years. Note: The SF EBO covers energy only — there is no water benchmarking or water audit requirement under this ordinance. The program supports San Francisco’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2040. A related ordinance also requires the largest commercial buildings to obtain 100% renewable electricity.
| When | Requirement |
|---|---|
|
Annual |
Energy Benchmarking (Due May 1): Submit building energy use data to the SF Department of
Environment using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. Applies to both commercial and
multifamily 50,000+ sq ft. Energy only (no water data required). |
|
Every 5 Years |
Energy Audit: Complete ASHRAE Level I (10K–49,999 sq ft) or Level II (50,000+ sq ft) energy
audit. City notifies owners 12 months in advance. Submit Confirmation of Energy Audit (CEA).
Multifamily buildings are exempt from audits. |
|
Ongoing |
100% Renewable Electricity: Commercial buildings 50,000+ sq ft must obtain all electricity from
renewable sources (Environment Code Ch. 30).
Multifamily and mixed-use residential buildings of any size are not subject to this requirement.
|
San Francisco is developing a new Building Performance Standard (BPS) that is expected to be adopted by 2026, targeting existing commercial buildings over 20,000 sq ft with direct GHG emissions reduction targets focused on eliminating natural gas. Unlike the current EBO, which focuses on benchmarking and audits, the BPS will set outcome-based emissions targets with specific interim deadlines. San Francisco assumes 100% renewable electricity, so the BPS is laser-focused on reducing direct carbon emissions from natural gas.
Building owners should begin assessing their natural gas footprint and planning for electrification now.
| Violation Type | Penalty | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Buildings 50,000+ sq ft |
Up to $100/day (max 25 days = $2,500/year) |
||
|
Buildings 10,000–49,999 sq ft |
Up to $50/day (max 25 days = $1,250/year) |
||
|
Non-compliance disclosure |
Published on City’s public website + written notice |
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