What are the key requirements for EBEWE compliance in commercial buildings?

The Existing Building Energy and Water Efficiency ordinance implies that commercial buildings meet specific SOPs of  energy and water efficiency to reduce environmental damage and promote sustainability. The EBEWE compliance is mandatory in the urban areas to tackle the pressing issues of resource management and energy conservation.

The EBEWE ordinance helps in controlling many serious issues like emission of greenhouse gases. The EBEWE is very stringent upon the standards of energy production and also its usage. Not only that, EBEWE also helps to regulate the water usage in a drought prone city like Los Angeles.

Understanding EBEWE Objectives

The Existing Building Energy and Water Efficiency (EBEWE) mandates to keep track of energy and water consumption in commercial and urban areas to find improvement opportunities. The EBEWE is implemented in many big and main cities including Los Angeles, to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, conserve water and promote sustainable building practices.

The EBEWE compliance needs contractors or builders to maintain following protocol:

• Benchmarking: Measure and prepare a report for water and energy consumption annually.
• Audits and Retro Commissioning: Conduct regular audits on energy and water consumption to find improvement opportunities.
• Efficiency Measures: Implement recommended efficiency measures to at least meet the efficiency thresholds.
• Reporting: Submitting annual reports to prove EBEWE compliance.

The environment is posed with many threats today like Global Warming. Greenhouse Gas Emission being the leading cause behind it. Fresh water percentage reduces with time. All these concerns are subject of EBEWE ordinance to help build an environmentally friendly ecosystem.

Sustainable infrastructure can cut down utility bills. Also, giving a boost to Real Estate. Government also awards incentives in the forms of rebates and tax breaks for proper following of EBEWE carving its economical importance. 

Eligibility Criteria

EBEWE applies to a broad range of infrastructures with specific criteria for which property has to comply. The prime targets of EBEWE are large buildings because of their immense impact on resources and environment.

Size Thresholds

The EBEWE compliance is mandatory upon buildings greater than or equal to 20,000 feet. This implies individual buildings and also groups of buildings that collectively meet the above mentioned size. 

Types of Properties

Commercial Buildings: It includes office buildings, retail spaces, hotels etc

Multi-Family Residential Buildings: In some jurisdictions, these buildings also fall under EBEWE jurisdiction if these buildings meet the size criteria.

Municipal Buildings: Government-owned buildings like schools, libraries and administrative infrastructures also are included in the scope of EBEWE.

Benchmarking Energy and Water Use

Benchmarking is very crucial for proper implementation of EBEWE. As, it provides a checkmark if the resources are being managed according to standards and if there is room for upgradation and improvement in any field. 

The steps involving benchmarking are:

• Data Collection:

Gather data on energy and water consumption through utility bills or meter readings.

Collect Building specific data regarding its size, occupancy type or operational consumption.

• Benchmarking Tool:

Most oftenly used US environment protection agency’s Energy Star portfolio manager to input and analyse the data gathered thoroughly. This tool maintains data entry up to standards, calculates performance metrics and generates benchmarking scores for judgement.

• Analysis and Comparison:

This tool allows comparison against the benchmarks of buildings with the same size and operational characteristics. This tool provides Energy Use Intensity (EUI) and Water Use Intensity (WUI).

• Identification of Improvement:

The benchmarks can be used to find space for improvement which may involve upgrading equipment, improving operational practices or attending to more  efficient measures.

Reporting Energy And Water Usage Data

• Annual Reporting: Building Owners must submit their collected data and audits annually to the relevant municipal authority.
• Data Accuracy: Data must be authorised by a certified professional engineer for accuracy before submission.
• Compliance Documentation: Submit any compliance forms if necessary along with documentation of implemented efficiency measures.

Auditing Requirements

These audits play a key role in the proper EBEWE compliance by finding inefficiencies in numbers.

Scope

Energy Audits are based upon HVAC, insulation and appliances energy consumption. Whereas, water audit examines plumbing systems, fixtures, irrigation and cooling towers.

Audit Report

Audit report documents bas usage, inefficiencies along with the suggested measures. It also includes the cost estimates and timelines.

Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or Professional Engineer or similar certified professional is needed for generating and authenticating a precise audit report. Professionals must have experience in commercial building audits and are in compliance with the local licensing requirements.

Audit Frequency

An Initial Audit is necessary when the building comes into EBEWE compliance for the very first time. Periodic Audits are necessary after 5 years and can vary based upon jurisdictions. 

Trigger Audits become mandatory when a large-scale renovation or change in the infrastructure takes place.

Compliance Deadlines

Building Owners must keep in check some specific deadlines for EBEWE compliance.

• Initial Compliance: Submitting the initial compliance within the first year of EBEWE implementation.
• Subsequent Reporting: Submit the updated benchmarking annually by June 1st in most jurisdictions.
• Auditing: Submit initial audits in the first 5 years or within and periodic audits for every 5 years after the initial audit.

Transparency and Public Disclosure

All the data regarding the building performance about energy and water consumption must be made publically available. Key findings from energy and water audits are shared highlighting the improvement areas.

Benefits of Transparency

• Community Awareness: Shared data can help the tenants or potential investors make informed decisions based upon the efficiency of the building.
• Market Incentives: Buildings with higher efficiency benchmarks gain a competitive advantage in the market which encourages sustainable practices.
• Policy Impact: Transparency keeps the builders in check and accountable. This produces a culture of continuous improvement through skill and effort.
• Environmental Benefits: When best practices are available for guidance, others would also engage in similar practices leading to more eco friendly infrastructures.

Retrofitting for Compliance

For EBEWE compliance, owners must engage in implementing specific retrofitting measures:

1. HVAC upgrades include installing energy efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
2. Improving lighting by replacing old lights with new LED lights equipped with motion sensors.
3. Upgrade to Low flow toilets, faucets and showerheads.
4. Improved building insulation to minimise energy loss.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failing to properly meet the standards or thresholds  of EBEWE can result in significant penalties:

Monetary Fines: Building Owners may be charged with fines of moderate to substantial amounts depending upon the kind of violation.

Public Disclosure: Non compliance status is publically shared affecting the market appeal and tenant attraction.

Enforcement Actions: Authorities may mandate corrective actions.

Resources and Assistance

Builders have access to various support resources to meet EBEWE requirements:

Governmental Support:

Local Authorities provide support with guidelines and proper benchmarking tools. Utility companies provide assistance by energy audits and incentives for energy efficient upgrades.

Non Governmental Organization (NGOs):

Environmental Groups provide guidance about energy and water efficient consumption practices. Leading Industries provides workshops and training focused on EBEWE compliance.

Conclusion

EBEWE compliance is of dire importance to promote sustainable building practices and upholding environmental responsibility. By Benchmarking, auditing and retrofitting owners not only comply with EBEWE but also become cost effective while flourishing property values.

Building owners should leverage from resources and incentives to implement efficient practices. It is more in the favour of building owners themselves then about Existing Building Energy and Water Efficiency.