Berkeley - Building Emissions Saving Ordinance (BESO)

Berkeley’s Building Emissions Saving Ordinance (BESO) requires property owners to complete assessments of their building’s energy performance and opportunities for improvement.

The Building Emissions Saving Ordinance (BESO) requires building owners and homeowners to complete and publicly report comprehensive energy assessments to uncover energy and greenhouse gas emissions saving opportunities.

The assessments are conducted by registered energy assessors who provide tailored recommendations on how to save energy, eliminate fossil fuels, and link building owners to incentive programs for energy efficiency and electrification upgrades.

Energy efficiency improvements and electrification recommendations are not required but are encouraged. BESO is required prior to sale of a house or whole building under 25,000 square feet, and on a 5-year reoccurring cycle for large multifamily and commercial buildings.

BESO Requirements vary depending on the building type and size:

1-4 unit homes require an assessment at time of listing

850 - 14,999 square foot buildings require an assessment at time of listing

15,000 - 24,999 square foot buildings require an assessment at time of listing and will require annual benchmarking starting summer 2022

25,000 square foot or more buildings require an assessment every 5 years and annual benchmarking

For full ordinnace refernce:
https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/2022-02/BESO-Administrative-Regulations.pdf