Berkeley Energy Benchmarking

Berkeley’s Building Energy Saving Ordinance (BESO, Municipal Code 19.81) replaced the Residential and Commercial Energy Conservation Ordinances (RECO and CEC). BESO requires Berkeley building owners to complete energy efficiency opportunity assessments and publicly report the building's energy efficiency information. The ordinance was adopted in 2015, and reporting deadlines began in 2018 and phased in through 2019.

The ordinance’s goal is to help building owners save energy and motivate them to participate in whole-building energy efficiency programs, such as Energy Upgrade California.

If you own or manage a building above 25,000 square feet, you must do an energy assessment every 5 years and report ENERGY STAR® Performance annually. If you own or manage a building that is less than 25,000 square feet, you must do an energy assessment at the time of sale. Buildings at least 15,000 square feet must also report ENERGY STAR® Performance annually. Deadlines for different building sizes began in 2018 with the largest buildings.

Your building may qualify for an exemption from reporting if:

• The Building Owner of a building with less than 3 non-residential active utility accounts or less than 5 residential utility accounts certifies to the Administrator that they have been unable to obtain tenant authorization to access the tenant utility data, despite a good faith effort to obtain such consent. To demonstrate a good faith effort to obtain consent, the Building Owner must submit a tenant-signed copy of the ENERGY STAR© Tenant Authorization Notice indicating one or more tenants have refused to authorize disclosure of their energy use data. State reporting requirements may still apply.

• The building occupant demonstrates to the Administrator that such disclosure may result in the release of proprietary information which can be characterized as a trade secret. State reporting requirements may still apply.

Every July 1 for municipal, commercial, residential, and multifamily buildings greater than 15,000 square feet.

All energy utilities including electricity, natural gas, district energy, and any other purchased fuel type used to operate your building.

Water data may also be required.

The instances of noncompliance will result in a fine of $100 for each violation, and an additional fine of up to $25 for each day that the violation continues, up to a maximum of $1,000 per violation.

Building owners must report their energy usage data to EPA’s Portfolio Manager, a reporting tool that allows building owners to compare their building’s energy efficiency with similar buildings.

However:

• Touchstone IQ for Buildings is a fast, easy-to-use tool that integrates directly with EPA’s Portfolio Manager

• Touchstone IQ also offers an expert-led benchmarking solution to building owners and managers looking for streamlined compliance and cost-saving recommendations.

Many benchmarking ordinances require a Building ID as part of the report submission process. If needed, you may be able to find your Building ID number here.

Berkeley large properties are exempt from California state energy benchmarking laws and only have to report to the City. Learn more about exempted local benchmarking ordinances in California here.

• Berkeley Building Energy Saving Benchmarking Program

• Berkeley’s Building Energy Saving Ordinance (BESO Municipal Code 19.81)

Touchstone IQ for Buildings offers expert-led benchmarking and easy DIY tools for Berkeley’s large properties. Simplify energy benchmarking compliance while gaining the tools to save money and build your energy intelligence with our exclusive software platform. Gain access to the nation's leading energy experts to ensure significant improvements in your energy usage for your commercial, multifamily, or public building. Our team has partnered with entities of all sizes to reduce their carbon footprint, reach ambitious targets, and comply with new regulations. Whether you're looking for comprehensive, step-by-step guidance to craft your energy management plan or a convenient, intuitive benchmarking solution, we've got you covered. Schedule your free personalized demo today or contact us for pricing or questions.