Chula Vista Building Energy Saving Ordinance: What Building Owners Need to Know
A guide to Chula Vista’s energy benchmarking requirements for commercial and multifamily buildings.
Understanding Chula Vista’s Building Performance Standards
Chula Vista is taking significant steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency in its buildings through the Building Energy Saving Ordinance (BESO). This regulation requires large commercial, industrial, and multifamily buildings to annually benchmark their energy use and report data to the city.
Building owners must comply with this ordinance to avoid penalties while benefiting from lower energy costs, improved building performance, and enhanced sustainability. This guide outlines the key compliance requirements, deadlines, and strategies for achieving compliance.
Who Must Comply With Chula Vista’s BESO?
BESO applies to:
- Commercial, industrial, and multifamily buildings that are 20,000 square feet or larger.
- Buildings located within the City of Chula Vista.
Smaller buildings are currently exempt from the ordinance, but property owners should monitor regulatory updates for potential future changes.
Key Compliance Requirements For Chula Vista’s BESO
1. Annual Energy Benchmarking & Reporting
Building owners must track and report their annual energy consumption using the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, an industry-standard tool for benchmarking energy performance.
The process involves:
- Collecting 12 months of energy usage data from utility providers.
- Entering the data into ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager to generate a performance score.
- Submitting the benchmarking report to the City of Chula Vista by May 20 each year.
2. Energy Audits & Performance Assessments
While BESO primarily focuses on benchmarking, property owners are encouraged to conduct energy audits to identify inefficiencies and implement cost-saving measures.
An energy audit typically includes:
- Evaluating HVAC systems, lighting, and building insulation.
- Identifying high-energy-consuming systems that need upgrades.
- Recommending energy efficiency improvements to lower costs and emissions.
3. Public Disclosure of Energy Performance
Chula Vista will make energy performance data publicly available, encouraging transparency and promoting energy-efficient building practices. This allows tenants, investors, and the public to compare building energy use and incentivizes property owners to improve efficiency.
Compliance Deadlines & Reporting Schedule
Building owners must submit benchmarking reports by May 20 each year.
Failure to comply with reporting requirements may result in fines, increased city oversight, and potential enforcement actions.
How to Achieve Compliance
1. Gather Energy Data & Benchmark Usage
The first step toward compliance is collecting energy consumption data from utility providers and benchmarking building performance using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.
2. Conduct Energy Audits & Implement Upgrades
Buildings with high energy use should schedule an energy audit to pinpoint inefficiencies and develop an action plan for improving energy performance.
Common energy efficiency upgrades include:
- LED lighting retrofits to reduce electricity consumption.
- Smart thermostats and HVAC automation for optimized climate control.
- Building envelope improvements such as better insulation and window sealing.
3. Invest In Renewable Energy Solutions
Chula Vista encourages businesses to adopt renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Building owners can:
- Install on-site solar panels to generate electricity.
- Purchase renewable energy credits (RECs) to offset energy use.
- Participate in community solar programs to access clean power without installing on-site infrastructure.
4. Submit Benchmarking Reports on Time
Ensure benchmarking reports are submitted before the May 20 deadline to maintain compliance and avoid potential penalties.
Why Compliance Matters For Building Owners
Meeting BESO requirements offers numerous advantages beyond regulatory compliance.
1. Lower Energy Costs:
Benchmarking helps identify energy waste, leading to cost-saving upgrades.
2. Improved Building Value:
Energy-efficient properties attract higher-value tenants and investors.
3. Regulatory Risk Reduction:
Avoiding fines and penalties ensures a smooth operational process.
4. Sustainability Leadership:
Demonstrating compliance with Chula Vista’s energy goals enhances corporate social responsibility.
Financial Incentives & Assistance Programs
Chula Vista provides financial incentives to support energy efficiency improvements, including:
1. Utility Rebates:
Incentives from San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) for energy-efficient lighting, HVAC, and building retrofits.
2. California Solar Incentives:
State-funded programs that offset the costs of installing solar energy systems.
3. Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Financing:
A financing mechanism that allows building owners to fund energy efficiency upgrades through property tax assessments.
What Should Building Owners Do Next?
If your building falls under Chula Vista’s Building Energy Saving Ordinance, take immediate steps to ensure compliance:
- Determine if your building is subject to the ordinance.
- Collect 12 months of energy data from your utility provider.
- Input the data into ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.
- Submit your benchmarking report before May 20.
- Consider conducting an energy audit to identify efficiency improvements.
- Explore financial incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency upgrades.
By following these steps, building owners can ensure compliance, reduce operational costs, and contribute to Chula Vista’s sustainability goals.
