Explore the Commercial Building Energy Audit Requirements Across the U.S.
Some legislations require that buildings over a specific size undergo energy audits to analyze the building’s energy usage and ensure systems operate efficiently. This type of surveillance expands on benchmarking by going one step further and examining the systems in your buildings for areas for improvement.
Energy audits have many benefits. These metrics give insight into a building’s performance, the ability to reduce energy bills and the feasibility of upgrades. In addition to audits, some regions require retro-commissioning, which identifies and corrects inefficiencies in systems. Energy audits and retro-commissioning involve procedures that require advanced planning and specialists. If your organization needs assistance navigating these compliance requirements or has questions about energy audits and retro-commissioning, please contact Environ Energy. Below we outline just some of the country’scountry’s commercial building energy audit requirements.
SEE MORE: Do You Need a Commercial Building Energy Audit?
California
City of Brisbane: Beyond Requirements
The Beyond Requirements build upon Brisbane’sBrisbane’s benchmarking laws, further requiring buildings to demonstrate that they are high performing or on the path to becoming high performing. Documentation is required every five years. Managers of high-performing buildings need to have their commercial energy metrics verified by an energy professional to ensure they meet the city’scity’s energy and water standards. Buildings that do not meet these standards require an energy audit and either adopt improvement measures, perform retro-commissioning, or adopt a green lease. Green leases are like standard commercial leases but include sustainability clauses to increase building efficiency and decrease energy costs. Non-compliance fees are dependent on the enforcing official.
City of Chula Vista: Building Energy Saving Ordinance
Chula Vista requires an ASHRAE level 1 commercial energy audit for buildings that score low-performance buildings. Like their benchmarking policy, this applies to buildings over 20,000 square feet. In addition, all buildings over 50,000 square feet must undergo retro-commissioning. Fines for non-compliance range between $750 and $2250, as well as public disclosure.
Los Angeles: Existing Building Energy and Water Efficiency Program (EBEWE)
Low-performance buildings are required to complete an ASHRAE level II energy audit and retro-commissioning every five years. There is a $202 fine for non-compliance.
Florida
City of Orlando: Building Energy and Water Efficiency Strategy (BEWES)
Orlando’sOrlando’s energy audit requirements are tied to its benchmarking policy. An energy audit or retro-commissioning is required every five years for buildings with an Energy Star score under 50. Failure to complete an audit results in public disclosure of non-compliance.
Georgia
Atlanta: Commercial Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance
Every 10 years, buildings over 25,000 square feet must receive an ASHRAE level 2 audit. There is a $1000 failure for each year of non-compliance.
New York
New York City: Local Law 87
Local Law 87 is a municipal law in New York City that applies to buildings over 50,000 square feet or multiple buildings on the same lot that exceed 100,000 square feet. The law requires building owners to conduct an energy audit at ASHRAE Level 2 or more stringent. In addition, retro-commissioning must be completed. Both must happen every 10 years, and an energy efficiency report should be filed with the Department of Buildings. Failure to submit the report in the first year will result in a $3000 fine and an additional $5000 fine for each subsequent year.
Texas
Austin: Energy Conservation and Disclosure Ordinance
Austin requires people selling residential properties to conduct an energy audit and disclose the findings to potential buyers. In addition, owners or managers of multifamily properties must disclose and conduct an energy audit every 10 years. Fines for non-compliance range from $500 to $2000.
Need help navigating your commercial energy audit needs? Environ Energy is your solution. With over 30 years of experience, our team of engineers and energy experts can help your business meet local state requirements for commercial building energy audits through our expert energy reporting, procurement, and compliance services. Please fill out our contact form to start your journey to greater energy efficiency and savings.