Your 2025 compliance hinges on what you do now.
With Q2 already underway, staying ahead of the latest updates to Los Angeles’s Existing Buildings Energy and Water Efficiency (EBEWE) Ordinance is more critical than ever. While many property owners are generally familiar with EBEWE requirements, a significant update in 2024 has shifted timelines and expectations, particularly around compliance audits and the A/RCx (Audit/Retro-Commissioning) requirements. If your building—commercial, mixed-use, or multifamily over 20,000 square feet—fails to meet the new compliance deadlines, you could face escalating fines and enforcement actions from the City.
We understand how easy it is to overlook these kinds of updates, especially when you’re juggling multiple properties or navigating dense city ordinances. That’s why we’re breaking down exactly what’s changed, what deadlines you need to watch, and how to secure a qualified Energy Audit before the Q3 backlog sets in. By acting now, you’ll avoid unnecessary delays and protect your property’s compliance status well ahead of the 2025 deadline. Our EBEWE experts are ready to guide you—book your free consultation today and stay ahead of the curve.
What’s Changed in the EBEWE Ordinance?
In 2024, the City of Los Angeles revised the EBEWE (Existing Buildings Energy and Water Efficiency) Ordinance, changing both the timing and enforcement structure for compliance audits. Most significantly, buildings that fall under the 2025 A/RCx (Audit and Retro-Commissioning) requirement now face earlier deadlines for securing and submitting audit documentation.
The updated ordinance also introduces stricter penalties for non-compliance, including daily fines and public notices. What used to be a relatively flexible process now demands more proactive planning—especially in Q2. Failing to prepare in this window could leave you scrambling during Q3, when certified auditors are typically overbooked.
Who Must Comply in 2025?
If you’re unsure whether your building needs to comply next year, use this simple checklist:
✅ You must comply in 2025 if:
- Your building is located within Los Angeles city limits
- The property is commercial, multifamily, or mixed-use
- It has a gross floor area of 20,000 square feet or more
- Your last A/RCx report was submitted in or before 2019
- No exemption has been filed or approved with LADBS
If these apply to your property, your compliance cycle is active, and preparation should begin now.
Why Q2 Is Your Best Opportunity
Quarter 2 is now the ideal window to book your Energy Audit. Waiting until Q3 introduces multiple risks—from delayed scheduling to rushed submissions.
By acting in Q2, you gain:
- Better auditor availability: Fewer owners are competing for appointments.
- Time to act on findings: You can implement recommended improvements without deadline pressure.
- Lower costs: Avoid last-minute surcharges or premium pricing.
Think of Q2 as your last chance to plan, rather than react.
What to Expect During an A/RCx Audit
The A/RCx process is a two-part evaluation:
- Energy and Water Audit – A certified professional inspects your building’s systems and analyzes utility use to identify inefficiencies.
- Retro-Commissioning – The auditor tests HVAC controls, lighting systems, and automation features to ensure they perform as intended.
The process usually takes 1–2 weeks, from site visit to report delivery. The final report must follow LADBS formatting guidelines to be considered valid for compliance.
Top 3 Benefits of Early A/RCx Compliance
Meeting the A/RCx requirement early does more than protect you from penalties—it can improve your property’s performance in measurable ways.
- Lower Utility Costs
Audits often reveal energy waste—like HVAC schedules that run outside of occupancy hours or water fixtures that leak unnoticed. Addressing these issues can cut energy and water bills by 10–30%, depending on the building.
- Easier Capital Planning
Early findings give you more time to prioritize improvements. This helps spread costs over time and avoids rushed, last-minute fixes.
- Better Occupant Comfort
Efficient systems lead to more consistent indoor temperatures, better air quality, and fewer complaints—improving tenant satisfaction and retention.
How Audit Findings Translate to Real Savings
Many owners overlook how compliance audits can actually enhance operational efficiency. A typical audit might uncover:
- Inefficient lighting controls
- Overactive HVAC systems
- Leaking fixtures or faulty irrigation
- Outdated building automation schedules
Fixing these doesn’t just meet compliance—it directly reduces overhead. In most cases, building owners recover the cost of the audit within a year through lower monthly bills. Some may also qualify for rebates through LADWP or SoCalGas, improving ROI even further.
Avoiding Fines and Enforcement
Los Angeles has signaled a tougher approach to EBEWE enforcement. Non-compliance is no longer treated lightly.
Penalties now include:
- Fines up to $202 per day per property
- Listing your building as non-compliant on LADBS records
- Possible permit delays for construction or renovations
The fastest and most effective way to avoid these penalties is to act now. Early compliance protects your financial standing and keeps your building operations on track.
Last Chance to Stay Ahead of EBEWE Compliance
Let’s be real—compliance isn’t getting easier. With the latest EBEWE changes, the clock’s ticking faster than most property owners realize. If your building falls under the 2025 A/RCx deadline, Q2 is your window to act. We’ve broken down what’s new, who needs to move now, and why early audits don’t just check a box—they save money, cut waste, and keep tenants happy.
Don’t wait until every auditor in LA is booked solid. Grab your free consultation while slots are still open. Our EBEWE experts will help you lock in your audit, avoid fines, and stay way ahead of the deadline rush. Time’s short—let’s get you on track today.
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