BESO Energy Assessments for Large Buildings

Owners of large buildings (25,000 ft2 or larger) must benchmark their energy use each year, and perform a comprehensive energy assessment every five years. Some buildings may be eligible for an exemption or deferral from the assessment requirement. Review the BESO large building list to check your building’s compliance status.

These requirements are part of the Building Emissions Saving Ordinance (BESO). Learn how to comply below, and view this flowchart for a visual guide to compliance.

Submit required reports or apply for a deferral

To comply with BESO requirements for large buildings, choose to submit your reports or apply for a deferral.

Option one: Submit energy assessment

Hire a qualified assessor for your building type from the Registered BESO Energy Assessor List for Commercial, Multifamily & Mixed Use.

Option two: Apply for a deferral

Some buildings qualify for exemptions or deferrals; refer to the summary document for details. Collect verification documentation, such as your EnergyStar report or building permit, to submit with your application.

Complete the registration form and pay filing fees

After you have made your choice between the two options, fill out the Large Building Application for Compliance with BESO form.

• If you have selected to submit an energy assessment, you will need to pay a $240 filing fee via check made payable to the City of Berkeley and include your property address in the memo. Deferrals and exemptions do not require a filing fee.

Submit your application and filing fee by mail at the address below:

City of Berkeley Planning Department
Office of Energy and Sustainable Development
ATTN: BESO
1947 Center Street, 1st Floor Berkeley, CA 94704

Receive a compliance certificate

The City will review your application for all required components:

• Large Building Application for Compliance with BESO form
• Either of the below:
  • Energy assessment by qualified BESO assessor + benchmarking report in Energy Star Portfolio Manager
  • Approved exemption or deferral
• Filing fee (if applicable)

Once the City has all of the necessary materials, you will receive a compliance confirmation via email. The confirmation will indicate the due date for next year’s reporting cycle.

Disclose energy information

Building owners must disclose the energy score and recommendations to current and prospective tenants. The City will publish summary energy information online.

If selling, you must include compliance documents and a copy of the Energy Report with closing documents at close of escrow.