If you own or manage a building in Los Angeles, you may have heard of energy benchmarking. But what does that actually mean—and why should you care?
This guide will help you understand Los Angeles energy benchmarking, why it’s necessary, how it can benefit you, and the steps to stay compliant while saving money.
What is Energy Benchmarking?
Energy benchmarking is a way to measure how much energy and water your building uses. Then, you compare your building’s usage to similar buildings or national averages. Think of it as a performance report for your property.
Why does this matter? Because when you track your usage, you can spot problems, cut waste, and make smarter decisions. It’s also a requirement in Los Angeles.
Do You Need to Comply?
Yes—if your building is:
- Over 20,000 square feet (for private buildings), or
- Over 7,500 square feet (for city-owned buildings)
Then you’re required to submit a report every year that shows how much energy and water your building uses.
This rule is part of LA’s Existing Buildings Energy and Water Efficiency (EBEWE) Ordinance.
State Law: California AB 802
In addition to the LA rules, there’s a statewide law called AB 802. It applies to many commercial and multifamily buildings across California.
This law says:
- Utilities (like LADWP) must give you energy data if you request it
- You need to report your building’s usage through a system called ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
- Some building data will be made public for transparency
If your building is in LA, you may need to follow both the city ordinance and AB 802.
What is ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager?
It’s a free tool from the U.S. EPA that helps you:
- Track your energy and water use
- Get a score (1–100) for energy performance
- Compare your building with others
- Create reports to submit to the city or state
Los Angeles and LADWP support this tool, and it’s required for compliance.
What Are the Benefits?
✅ Lower Bills
When you track your usage, you’ll likely find ways to cut costs on electricity, water, and gas.
✅ More Valuable Property
Energy-efficient buildings attract better tenants and can sell for more.
✅ Healthier Spaces
Better energy performance often means better air quality, lighting, and temperature control for the people who work or live in your building.
✅ Environmentally Friendly
Less energy use means fewer carbon emissions—and that’s better for everyone in LA.
How to Comply in 4 Easy Steps
Step 1: Create an ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager Account
Visit energystar.gov and set up a free account for your building.
Step 2: Request Your Utility Data
Contact LADWP (or your provider) and ask for whole-building data. They can send it directly to your Portfolio Manager.
Step 3: Submit Your Benchmarking Report
Each year, usually by June 1, submit your report to the City of Los Angeles.
Step 4: Keep Tracking
The city may introduce performance targets in the future—so it pays to stay on top of your data.
Need Help? You’re Not Alone
Many building owners find benchmarking confusing at first. But you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
The LA Benchmarking Help Center—funded by LADWP—offers free support to help you:
- Set up your account
- Find and upload your data
- Troubleshoot issues
- Use your results to make improvements
Common Questions
Q: What if I don’t submit my report?
You could face fines or violations from the city. It’s better to stay compliant.
Q: Is this just for office buildings?
No. It also applies to large apartment buildings, hotels, schools, and many other property types.
Q: Can I hire someone to do this for me?
Yes. Many building owners hire benchmarking consultants to manage the process.
Final Thoughts
Energy benchmarking might sound like a hassle, but it’s actually a smart move. It helps you:
- Save money
- Improve your building
- Stay ahead of the law
- Help the environment
If you’re just getting started, we can walk you through the process step-by-step. Reach out for support, or check out tools like Portfolio Manager and the LA Benchmarking Help Center.
