San Francisco’s Existing Buildings Ordinance

The Existing Buildings Energy Ordinance Applies To:

• Non-residential buildings with 10,000 square feet or more of space that is heated or cooled
• Multifamily residential buildings with 50,000 sq ft or more of space that is heated or cooled.

Requirements:

Energy Benchmarking - due annually on May 1



"Energy benchmarking" means measuring a building's energy use, and comparing it to the average for similar buildings in order to help identify waste and recognize changes over time. The ordinance requires each building owner to track energy use with US Environmental Protection Agency’s ‘ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager’ website, and report each year to San Francisco Environment Department.

How to Comply with San Francisco's Benchmarking Requirement

Get Help with Benchmarking

 

Energy Audit - required every 5 years for commercial buildings

Each owner of a non-residential building must ensure the building receives an energy audit by a qualified energy professional every five years. The professional must hold one of the qualifications approved by the Department of Environment, and must examine the entire building including tenant-occupied spaces. An audit provides specific, actionable recommendations to save money by saving energy in the building, as well as rebates that may be available.  

What is an energy audit? What is required?

Minimum Qualifications for Energy Auditors and a List of Licensed Professionals 

Renewable Electricity for Large Commercial Buildings - San Francisco requires commercial buildings of 50,000 square feet or more to obtain all electricity from 100% renewable sources. The easiest way to comply is by subscribing to: CleanPowerSF SuperGreen, SFPUC Hetch Hetchy Power, or PG&E’s Solar Choice program. Direct Access electric service can comply.

Deadlines are based on the size of the building:

Resources

Existing Buildings Energy Ordinance - Home page

Look Up EBO Compliance

Existing Buildings - Energy Trends in San Francisco

Existing Buildings Energy Use Data (SF OpenData)

Energy Performance of Municipal Buildings, courtesy of SFPUC

Existing Commercial Buildings Ordinance Progress Report 2010 through 2014

Existing Commercial Buildings Task Force Report