What the Law Says
San Francisco’s Energy Performance Ordinance
This San Francisco Building Energy Benchmarking ordinance was created to track and publish energy usage data of existing nonresidential buildings through benchmarking. Nonresidential buildings are required to undergo standardized energy audits every five years, and owners must measure their building’s energy usage and submit the data to the City. San Francisco’s Existing Buildings Ordinance applies to non-residential buildings with gross floor area of 10,000 square feet or more and to multifamily residential buildings with 50,000 square feet or larger. In order to comply, building owners must conduct a standardized energy audit report every five years and also report energy usage data to the San Francisco Department of the Environment using EPA’s Portfolio Manager platform on an annual basis.
Who is Required to Comply
Non-residential buildings with gross floor area of 10,000 square feet or more and to multifamily residential buildings with 50,000 square feet or larger.
Deadlines
The deadline for compliance is April 1 for all nonresidential buildings larger than 10,000 square feet.
How to Report
Building owners must report their energy usage data to EPA’s Portfolio Manager. The Cotocon Group can help you with San Francisco Building Energy Benchmarking.
What are the fines Like?
- Fines: $2,500.00 and $1,250.00
- For buildings of 50,000 square feet and greater, up to $100.00 per day for a maximum of 25 days in one twelve-month period for each building in violation.
- For buildings of 49,999 square feet or less, up to $50.00 per day for a maximum of 25 days in one twelve-month period for each building in violation.