Understanding Los Angeles’ EBEWE Ordinance: Requirements & Due Dates

Los Angeles’ Existing Buildings Energy & Water Efficiency (EBEWE) Ordinance is one of the most significant compliance requirements for owners of commercial and multifamily properties throughout LA. Designed to reduce energy consumption and water waste in larger buildings, EBEWE requires annual benchmarking as well as periodic energy and water audits or retro-commissioning (A/RCx).

If your property is 20,000 sq. ft. or larger, you’re likely subject to these requirements. Missing a due date can result in substantial penalties. Below is a simple breakdown of what the regulation requires and key deadlines.

What Is EBEWE?

EBEWE is part of Los Angeles’ larger sustainability initiative, the LA Green New Deal, aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions and improving resource efficiency across the city’s building stock.

The ordinance has two major components:

1. Annual Benchmarking (ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager)

Building owners must submit annual energy and water consumption data to the City of Los Angeles using the US EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager platform.
This report is due every year by June 1.

2. Once-Every-Five-Years Energy & Water Efficiency Audits / Retro-Commissioning

Owners must also complete a more in-depth assessment every five years:

• Energy Audit or Energy RCx

• Water Audit or Water RCx

These help identify conservation opportunities and ensure building systems operate as efficiently as possible.

Who Must Comply with EBEWE?

EBEWE applies to:

• Commercial and multifamily buildings ≥ 20,000 sq. ft.

• State and federal buildings within Los Angeles

• Certain exempt buildings, only if specific criteria are met (e.g., new construction, ENERGY STAR certification, LEED O+M certification, etc.)

Owners must also keep documentation on file for verification purposes.

Key EBEWE Due Dates/Deadlines

The annual benchmarking deadline is June 1st. If the June 1st deadline is missed, the City may assess administrative penalties.

A/RCx Five-Year Cycle Deadlines – Los Angeles assigns RCx due dates based on the last digit of the building’s LA Building ID. Each building has a designated cycle, repeating every five years. You can look up your building’s cycle using the City’s tool on the official LA EBEWE page.

How Hillmann Can Help

The Hillmann Family of Companies specializes in energy audits, retro-commissioning, and water efficiency assessments that to help clients meet LA’s EBEWE standards.

Our EBEWE Services Include:

Because our Energy Consulting division, Abraxas, is integrated within the Hillmann network, clients benefit from a single, coordinated team that understands both environmental compliance and building system performance.

Contact us today! 📧 info@hillmann.com