Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Existing Buildings Energy and Water Efficiency (EBEWE) ordinance?
The ordinance, established in 2017, aims to tackle energy and water consumption in existing buildings across Los Angeles. It mandates building owners to annually benchmark their building's energy and water usage and conduct energy and water audits every five years, reporting the findings to the city. The goal is to enhance energy and water efficiency in existing buildings, ultimately lowering greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption.
What is Benchmarking?
Water and energy benchmarking involves measuring and comparing a building's water and energy usage against established standards or benchmarks. This process evaluates both water and energy consumption patterns within a building to assess its efficiency and identify areas for improvement. By collecting data on water and energy usage and comparing it to similar buildings or industry standards, benchmarking helps building owners and managers understand how efficiently their building is using these resources.
What is Audits and Retro-Commissioning (A/RCx)?
As per the EBEWE requirements, an audit refers to a water/energy audit, involving a thorough evaluation of a building's water and energy consumption patterns. This process includes scrutinizing utility bills, inspecting equipment, and pinpointing potential improvement areas within the building. Retro-Commissioning focuses on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of existing building systems like HVAC, lighting, and water fixtures. Following these assessments, a report is compiled and submitted to both the building owner and the city.
Do I need to comply with the EBEWE Ordinance?
This division of the ordinance applies to all buildings meeting specific size criteria:
Buildings owned by the City of Los Angeles that are more than 15,000 square feet.
Privately owned buildings of 20,000 square feet or more.
Exceptions include certain structures such as one- and two-family dwellings, broadcast antennas, utility pumping stations, and others deemed irrelevant by the Department of Building and Safety.
What are the “Qualifying Exemptions” that will allow me to bypass the need for a A/RCx study?
See the following link for qualifying exemptions; see 91.9706.1.3. Exemptions.
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/los_angeles/latest/lamc/0-0-0-293702#JD_C9A1D97
When do I have to comply?
Compliance with the A/RCx, energy/water audit, and retro-commissioning is required every five years, with the timing determined by the last digit of your LADBS building ID.
Due dates based on last Digit of LADBS Building ID:(Find your building here, https://lacitydbs.org/buildinginfo)
0 or 1 December 1, 2021 & Every five years thereafter
2 or 3 December 1, 2022 & Every five years thereafter
4 or 5 December 1, 2023 & Every five years thereafter
6 or 7 December 1, 2024 & Every five years thereafter
8 or 9 December 1, 2025 & Every five years thereafter
Benchmarking must be completed annually by June 1st.
What are the penalties for noncompliance?
SEC. 91.9712 of the EBEWE ordinance puts the non-compliance fee at $202. This fee may be subject to Late fees, Collection fees and interest as defined in LAMC SEC. 98.0411.
Please note that payment of the non-compliance fee does not result in Compliance. The building will remain out of compliance with the City of Los Angeles and, as with any Los Angeles Municipal Code violation, will be subject to further legal action. Additionally, the status of each building (Complied or Not Complied) is posted publicly and, in the future, may be recorded on the property as an open violation.
For more information and links on the program:
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/los_angeles/latest/lamc/0-0-0-293702#JD_C9A1D97