West Hollywood Equitable Building Performance Standard: A Community-Centered Path to Climate Action

West Hollywood’s Inclusive Vision For Sustainable Buildings

The City of West Hollywood is on a mission to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035. A major part of that vision is the Equitable Building Performance Standard (EBPS), a policy designed not just to reduce energy consumption in large buildings, but to do so equitably.

Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all mandate, the EBPS is tailored to meet the needs of West Hollywood’s diverse community. It balances climate goals with housing affordability and social equity, ensuring that all building types and the people who occupy them—can participate in creating a more sustainable future.

What Is A Building Performance Standard?

A Building Performance Standard (BPS) establishes enforceable energy use or emissions targets that buildings must meet over time. These standards are more than aspirational they are designed to drive measurable improvements in building performance.

West Hollywood’s version is an Equitable BPS. It layers the goals of energy efficiency and emissions reduction with policies that address affordability, health, comfort, and accessibility.

Key Elements of West Hollywood’s EBPS

The EBPS introduces several new requirements for buildings over 20,000 square feet:

• Annual Energy Reporting (starting in 2026): Owners must benchmark energy use via a free online tool, verify data accuracy annually, and have it professionally verified every four years.
• Performance Targets (starting in 2028): Buildings must meet energy efficiency targets that become more stringent through 2035.
• Building Performance Action Plans (BPAPs): For owners who can’t meet the targets immediately, a City-approved plan outlining scheduled improvements is acceptable through 2036.

By 2035, buildings must collectively achieve an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Who Must Comply With West Hollywood’s EBPS?

Only existing buildings over 20,000 square feet are subject to the EBPS. This includes:

• Large multifamily housing properties.
• Commercial office buildings.
• Hospitality & Hotels.
• Mixed-use developments.

These large buildings represent just 6% of West Hollywood’s total building stock but contribute significantly to the city’s overall emissions.

Steps To Ensure Compliance With West Hollywood’s EBPS

1. Begin Energy Benchmarking In 2026

Starting in 2026, building owners must:

• Report building characteristics and annual energy use.
• Use a designated free online platform.
• Review and verify data annually.
• Submit third-party verification every four years.

This process helps both the city and owners track performance trends and identify opportunities for improvement.

2. Meet or Plan For Energy Performance Targets

From 2028 onward, buildings must meet increasingly strict energy performance thresholds every four years. Owners have two compliance options:

• Option 1: Direct Compliance – Reduce energy use to meet targets by each deadline.
• Option 2: Building Performance Action Plan (BPAP) – Submit a City-approved plan detailing how and when upgrades will be made to reach future targets.

By 2036, only direct compliance will be accepted BPAPs will no longer be an option.

3. Upgrade Building Systems For Efficiency

To meet performance goals or create a strong BPAP, owners should consider:

• Transitioning to electric appliances and HVAC systems.
• Improving insulation and installing energy-efficient windows.
• Incorporating solar energy and battery storage.
• Using smart energy management and building automation tools.

West Hollywood is designing a Building Retrofit Accelerator to provide technical and financial support for these improvements.

4. Leverage Incentives and Support Programs

To ensure equitable implementation, the City is exploring:

• State, federal, and utility rebates.
• Low- or no-cost financing options.
• Targeted assistance for low-income and historically marginalized property owners.

This is essential to ensure that retrofits don’t create economic hardship or displacement.

Why Businesses and Property Owners Should Comply

1. Reduce Operating Costs

Energy-efficient buildings cost less to run. Reduced energy use leads to lower utility bills, helping owners improve profitability over time.

2. Enhance Property Value

Meeting EBPS targets boosts ESG ratings and makes properties more attractive to investors and tenants seeking sustainability and reliability.

3. Avoid Penalties

Starting in 2028, non-compliance could result in enforcement actions, especially after BPAPs are phased out in 2036.

4. Strengthen Community Ties

Participation in a citywide climate initiative fosters goodwill and brand alignment with West Hollywood’s values of inclusivity, equity, and environmental leadership.

Overcoming Compliance Challenges

1. Affordability For Older or Affordable Housing

Retrofitting costs can burden older buildings or affordable housing units. West Hollywood’s policy emphasizes:

• Cost-sharing and incentive stacking.
• A retrofit accelerator for technical assistance.
• Phased compliance with room for planning.

2. Planning & Reporting Complexity

Benchmarking and reporting may require new systems and staff training. To simplify this:

• The City provides a free reporting platform.
• Annual and 4-year verification schedules offer structure.
• Technical guidance and checklists will accompany the BPAP process.

3. Equity Considerations

Equity is at the core of West Hollywood’s EBPS. Community engagement has shaped every stage of the policy, ensuring that no resident or property owner is left behind due to cost or capacity.

Preparing For West Hollywood’s EBPS Compliance

Now is the time for building owners in West Hollywood to prepare for EBPS by:

• Identifying whether their building meets the 20,000 square foot threshold.
• Reviewing energy usage and preparing for benchmarking in 2026.
• Exploring efficiency upgrades or planning for a BPAP.
• Connecting with City programs and incentives for retrofits.

By planning ahead, property owners can align with West Hollywood’s goals of climate resilience, energy equity, and community well-being while also future-proofing their properties for long-term success.