Updated Benchmarking Deadlines For Los Angeles: How To Stay Ahead In 2025
If you’re a property owner or manager in Los Angeles, the city won’t send you a reminder, but missing this year’s energy benchmarking deadline could cost you $202 per day in fines. With the June 1, 2025 compliance deadline under the Los Angeles Existing Buildings Energy and Water Efficiency (LA EBEWE) Ordinance quickly approaching, the time to act is now.
This isn’t just about checking a regulatory box. It’s about preserving asset value, preventing financial penalties, and keeping your property aligned with the city’s aggressive sustainability goals. In this guide, we’ll break down the key deadlines, what’s changed for 2025, and how to prepare your data so you can stay compliant, fine-free, and future-ready.
Why LA EBEWE Benchmarking Compliance Matters More In 2025
Under the LA EBEWE Ordinance, owners of large commercial and multifamily buildings must submit annual benchmarking reports detailing their energy and water usage. This year, the city is increasing enforcement, and the consequences for non-compliance are steeper than ever. Whether you’re new to benchmarking or navigating it for another year, here’s what makes 2025 a high-stakes cycle:
Mid-Year Deadline:
The deadline to report 2024 benchmarking data is June 1, 2025. Missing it could result in fines of $202 per day, per building, until compliance is met. There are no reminders, and no grace periods.
Higher Scrutiny:
The City of Los Angeles is intensifying enforcement. Buildings previously cited for non-compliance may face quicker inspections, escalated fines, or public posting of violations.
Data Verification Rule:
New in 2025: building owners must complete third-party verification of benchmarking data every three years. This ensures energy and water usage figures are accurate, and outdated or incorrect data can’t be used to avoid reporting.
Sustainability Pressure:
Beyond penalties, LA continues aligning with state-wide emissions reduction targets. Accurate benchmarking helps drive accountability, and positions your building for better energy efficiency and financial performance.
The Benefits Of Timely Benchmarking
Completing your LA EBEWE submission on time can result in:
- Operational Cost Savings: Identify energy and water inefficiencies before they drive up expenses.
- Increased Property Value: Efficient buildings with verified energy data often attract better tenants and higher valuations.
- Access to Incentives: Timely reporting can make you eligible for rebates, retrofit programs, or financing tied to energy performance.
- Reputation Boost: Publicly benchmarked and compliant buildings demonstrate responsible ownership and environmental leadership.
What Changed In The 2025 Reporting Cycle
Several updates in 2025 make early preparation more important than ever:
Stricter Penalties For Repeat Offenders:
Properties that failed to report in previous years may be fast-tracked for inspections and enforcement actions. This includes steeper fines and shorter correction periods.
Mandatory Verification Every Three Years:
Now required for all buildings, this verification must be completed by a qualified energy professional. It includes confirmation of property square footage, operational characteristics, and reported utility data.
Greater Emphasis On Emissions Transparency:
The city is integrating benchmarking data into broader emissions tracking. Expect more pressure to reduce energy usage and meet carbon reduction benchmarks in the near future.
Two Key Steps To Ensure LA EBEWE Compliance
To meet the June 1 deadline and avoid costly penalties, building owners should focus on two critical areas:
1. Prepare And Review Utility Data Early
Start compiling your building’s 2024 energy and water data as early as possible. You’ll need to gather 12 months of utility records, confirm building size and use type, and ensure your Portfolio Manager account is accurate. Validate that your Benchmarking ID matches what’s on file with the city to avoid disqualification.
2. Schedule Professional Data Verification (if required)
If your building’s last verification was in 2022 or earlier, you’ll need to complete the three-year verification process. This requires hiring a licensed engineer, architect, or certified energy auditor to validate your data within ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. The city can reject submissions that are incomplete or lack updated verification, even if submitted on time.
Avoiding The Last-Minute Rush: What You Can Do Today
Many building managers fall into the trap of leaving compliance tasks until the last week of May—only to discover errors in their data, missing verification, or outdated contact info on their accounts. Here’s how to avoid that scenario:
Start by reviewing your benchmarking submission history via the Los Angeles EBEWE Portal. Look for any missing years, flagged issues, or verification expirations.
Next, confirm your building’s details in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. Incorrect square footage, property use types, or occupancy data can invalidate your report.
If you manage multiple properties, create a benchmarking tracker or use a digital platform like VertPro®, which offers automated alerts and centralized reporting across your portfolio. This can dramatically reduce your administrative burden.
Finally, consider enlisting help. Third-party experts can review your records, complete verification, and submit your benchmarking report on time—freeing up your internal team and reducing risk.
Why Partner With VertPro® For LA EBEWE Compliance?
VertPro® specializes in helping building owners and managers simplify compliance with over 60 energy benchmarking and performance laws across the U.S., including LA EBEWE. With a suite of cloud-based tools and expert advisors, they make it easy to:
- Track upcoming deadlines
- Organize and upload utility data
- Complete three-year verification
- Submit benchmarking reports accurately
- Avoid penalties and late fees
Their Instant Pricing Tool also provides real-time quotes for energy audits and retro-commissioning services if your building requires deeper compliance support.
Final Takeaway: Benchmarking Compliance Is About More Than Deadlines
The June 1, 2025, LA EBEWE deadline is a high-priority milestone, but the real value lies in what benchmarking unlocks for your building. When done right, it helps you reduce operating costs, improve asset performance, and stay competitive in an increasingly sustainability-driven real estate market.
Don’t wait until May 30th to scramble for data and verification. Start now, and give yourself time to verify, submit, and move forward with confidence.
Need Help Meeting The 2025 Deadline?
Visit VertPro.com to:
- Get instant pricing on energy audits
- Track your building’s compliance status
- Automate benchmarking submissions
- Avoid fines and stay ahead of LA regulations
