Existing Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance

The intent of the Existing Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance is to help the local market maximize energy efficiency in San Francisco by empowering owners, managers, operators, and occupants with the key information to control utility costs, and to know exactly how they will benefit by improving energy efficiency. The ordinance applies to commercial buildings 10,000 square feet and larger, and residential buildings 50,000 square feet and larger.  

Commercial Lighting Ordinance

San Francisco's Commercial Lighting Efficiency Ordinance required that by December 2011 fluorescent lamps and ballast systems in commercial buildings be upgraded to output at least 81 lumens per watt of electricity consumed, and meet a mercury content standard: no more than 5 mg mercury per 4-foot linear fluorescent lamp, and no more than 10 mg of mercury per 8-foot linear fluorescent lamp. Usually this requirement is satisfied by upgrading to LED lamps. Read more about this ordinance here.

Commercial Water Conservation Ordinance

In order to protect natural resources, address the increase in water demand, and cut greenhouse gas emissions through reduced water use, San Francisco enacted an ordinance that required all commercial property owners to provide certain water conservation measures for their facilities by 2017. The building was required to be inspected, retrofitted and have a Certificate of Compliance on file with the Department of Building inspection. Read more about this ordinance here.