You may think your energy audits are handled, but a small oversight could put your property at risk.
In San Francisco, commercial buildings must comply with the city’s Energy and Water Efficiency Program (EBEWE), which mandates energy audits and retrocommissioning (RCx) every five years. According to SF Environment, non-compliance can result in penalties of up to $100 per day per building. That adds up fast—especially if key follow-up steps like A/RCx documentation are missed or delayed.
Many property owners assume once the initial audit is submitted, the process is complete. But common oversights—such as failing to meet the RCx timeline, skipping a required update, or not submitting the final verification—can quietly pile up and trigger fines. Before deadlines hit this year, it’s critical to revisit your energy audit strategy. VertPro®’s Instant Audit tool helps you get a quote in minutes and ensure all your compliance boxes are checked from the start.
In this post, we’ll walk through a quick checklist of the most important steps to stay compliant:
- Confirm your audit cycle and deadlines
- Complete and submit the correct A/RCx documentation
- Track verification steps and follow-up deadlines
- Use audit tools to speed up and simplify the process
Let’s break it down so you can stay ahead of the curve—and out of penalty territory.
1. Confirm Your Audit Cycle and Deadlines
Before anything else, take the time to confirm where your building stands in its audit cycle. The EBEWE ordinance requires that commercial properties in San Francisco—specifically those 10,000 square feet and larger—submit an energy audit or retrocommissioning (RCx) report every five years.
Why This Step Matters
Even a slight delay in submitting your A/RCx documentation can result in penalties of up to $100 per day, per building. The city doesn’t typically send reminders—so staying proactive is key.
How to Stay on Track
- Check your building’s compliance history via the SF Environment compliance portal.
- Review any ownership changes or major renovations that might reset or impact your audit deadline.
- Create a compliance calendar that flags your building’s due dates well in advance.
If you’re unsure when your building last submitted its A/RCx report, VertPro®’s Instant Audit tool can help you pull up your building’s compliance timeline in minutes. A simple lookup could prevent thousands of dollars in unnecessary penalties.
2. Complete and Submit the Correct A/RCx Documentation
Submitting your audit doesn’t guarantee compliance. The city requires that your A/RCx documentation meet specific standards—in both format and content. Missing signatures, incorrect audit levels, or failure to clearly outline findings can all result in rejection or fines.
Key Documents to Include:
- ASHRAE Level I or II Audit Reports (depending on your building type and past submissions)
- Retrocommissioning (RCx) Reports, including:
- Detailed list of operational improvements
- Cost-effective energy-saving measures
- Proof of implementation and verification
- Signed declaration forms from licensed professionals
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting the wrong audit level for your property
- Forgetting to include supporting documentation (like repair invoices)
- Missing deadlines after an audit is returned for revision
To streamline the process, work with energy professionals familiar with SF regulations—or better yet, use VertPro®’s guided workflow to upload and review your documents. Their platform helps you double-check all required fields before final submission.
3. Track Verification Steps and Follow-Up Deadlines
Many building owners make the mistake of thinking the process ends once the audit is submitted. However, that’s just the first part. Follow-up verification is a critical step in the compliance process, especially if your RCx identified specific energy-saving measures.
What Needs to Be Verified
- Implementation of recommended operational fixes
- Installation or upgrade of building systems (HVAC, lighting, controls)
- Testing and validation of improvements
Avoid the “Silent Penalty”
If you skip verification or fail to report completion, the city may classify your audit as incomplete or invalid, even if the physical upgrades are done. This can lead to:
- Resubmission requirements
- Compliance delays
- Unnoticed penalties that accrue quietly over time
Use a tracking system—or tools like VertPro®’s automated reminders—to ensure no follow-up task falls through the cracks. These tools allow you to monitor each action item, assign tasks to team members, and track when verification is officially submitted.
4. Use Audit Tools to Speed Up and Simplify the Process
Let’s face it—manual audits are time-consuming, especially if you manage multiple properties. Managing documents, coordinating with consultants, and tracking timelines can become overwhelming fast.
The Benefits of Going Digital
Using an audit tool like VertPro®’s Instant Audit helps you:
- Get a quote in minutes by entering basic building details
- Compare costs and providers without hours of back-and-forth emails
- Keep all documentation in one place, from initial reports to final verification
- Automate alerts for renewal cycles, updates, and pending submissions
One Platform, Multiple Properties
For portfolio managers, a digital platform makes it easy to:
- Monitor A/RCx status across all buildings
- Export compliance reports for stakeholders
- Coordinate with internal teams and third-party vendors
By leveraging technology, you not only reduce the risk of human error but also gain peace of mind knowing that each compliance box is checked well ahead of your deadline.
Last Step, Big Risk: Get Ahead Before It’s Too Late
If you thought submitting your audit was the final step, think again. Staying compliant with San Francisco’s EBEWE ordinance means knowing your audit cycle, submitting the right A/RCx documentation, and tracking every follow-up deadline. Even a small slip—like forgetting verification paperwork—can lead to hundreds in daily penalties. This post broke down each step to help you avoid fines and keep your building on track.
The good news? You don’t have to manage it all manually. VertPro®’s Instant Audit tool lets you check your building’s status, get a quote fast, and make sure every requirement is handled. Sign up now to stay ahead of your next deadline—and out of penalty trouble for good.
VertPro.com offers tools and services to help property owners and managers improve building energy efficiency and meet regulatory standards. Whether you’re looking for instant pricing on energy audits, need support with benchmark compliance, or want to explore available building upgrade options, VertPro® provides user-friendly technology solutions to simplify the process. Their platform helps ensure adherence to over 60 Energy Benchmarking and Efficiency Laws across the country.
VertPro®’s Energy Audit Instant Pricing Tool. Gain rapid, precise energy audit cost estimates. Streamline compliance and reduce expenses today.
