Avoid fines. Start benchmarking now.
In California, violations can carry a penalty of up to $2,000 for each day the violation has existed and continues to exist, for each category of missing data.
Start Benchmarking Now
Register for benchmarking
Fill out the benchmarking registration form and create a Beacon account
Submit building and utility data
Add your buildings and connect your utilities to automate the benchmarking process.
Stay compliant
Beacon uploads data to ENERGY STAR® every month and keeps your buildings compliant.
California building owners, have you received this letter?
The State of California requires owners of commercial and multifamily buildings larger than 50,000 square feet, or more than 16 units, to report energy usage data using ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager. Beacon offers a white glove building benchmarking service for building owners and property managers.
"The civil penalty shall not be less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than two thousand dollars ($2,000) for each category of data the person did not provide and for each day the violation has existed and continues to exist."
What is benchmarking?
Benchmarking is collecting and measuring the current energy usage of a building and comparing it against historical energy usage, or comparing your building to buildings of a similar size and occupancy.
To avoid fines and be compliant, benchmarking must be done through the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager.
The ENERGY STAR® resource management tool enables you to benchmark the energy use of any type of building.
Benchmarking. Powered by Beacon.
Beacon currently helps hospitals, schools, business parks, malls, museums, campuses, food and beverage companies, grocery stores, storage facilities, car dealerships, packaging and distribution centers, real estate developments, multi-family housing, and commercial buildings.
Like TurboTax for your taxes, Beacon automates all of the benchmarking, regulatory, and compliance documentation so your buildings maintain federal, state, and city compliance.
Avoid fines. Start benchmarking now.
In California, violations can carry a penalty of up to $2,000 for each day the violation has existed and continues to exist, for each category of missing data.
Start Benchmarking NowDoes your California city have unique benchmarking requirements?
Some cities in California have different requirements for benchmarking properties. Below are the specific requirements mandated by California.
| Area | Deadline | Requirements | Fines & Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | June 1st annual deadline | 50,000+ sq ft for commercial and multifamily buildings All state buildings, owned or leased, must be benchmarked, regardless of size.Executive Order B-18-12 | The civil penalty shall not be less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than two thousand dollars ($2,000) for each category of data the person did not provide and for each day the violation has existed and continues to exist. |
| Berkeley | June 1st annual deadline | 15,000+ sq ft for municipal, commercial, residential, and multifamily buildings Energy Assessment due every 5 years or at time of sale for buildings under 25,000 sq ft | 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. |
| Brisbane | May 15th annual deadline | 2,000+ sq ft for public buildings and 100,000+ sq ft for commercial, multifamily, and industrial buildings Building Performance Standard or Energy Audit Requirement due every 5 years | $100 after 30 day notice. $200 after another 30 days. $500 after another 30 days and every 30 days after. |
| Chula Vista | May 20th annual deadline | All public city buildings and 20,000+ sq ft commercial, industrial, and multifamily properties Building Performance Standard or Energy Audit and Retro-Commissioning Study every 5 years | 20,000-49,999 GFA - up to $750 per incident; 50,000-99,999 GFA - up to $1,500 per incident; 100,000+ GFA - up to $2,250 per incident |
| Los Angeles | June 1st annual deadline | 7,500+ sq ft for public city buildings and 20,000+ sq. ft. for all other buildings Energy Assessment and/or Retro-Commissioning Study due every 5 years | Buildings that do not comply with the Existing Building Energy & Water Efficiency Program by the deadline will be publicly disclosed and may be charged a compounding fine. |
| San Diego | June 1st annual deadline | Public or commercial properties 50,000+ sq ft and mixed-use properties 50,000+ sq ft with 17 or more residential accounts | The fines for non-compliance are up to $1,000. |
| San Francisco | May 1st annual deadline | 10,000+ sq ft for commercial and industrial buildings and 50,000+ sq ft for multifamily buildings Energy Audit every 5 years for commercial and industrial buildings. Large commercial buildings renewable electricity ordinance | Owners of buildings larger than 50,000 square feet are subject to $100/day fines for each day of noncompliance (up to a maximum of 25 days). Owners of buildings smaller than 50,000 square feet are subject to a $50/day fine (up to a maximum of 25 days). |
| San Jose | May 1st annual deadline | 20,000+ sq ft Building Performance requirement, Energy Audit, or Retro-Commissioning Study every 5 years | Buildings 50,000 square feet and above may be fined $50 for each day of noncompliance, up to $5,000 per calendar year. |