LA’s EBEWE
Mandate Explained

The Existing Building Energy & Water Efficiency program-guide for owners & managers of non-single family buildings in Los Angeles.

What is EBEWE?

EBEWE is an LA Municipal Code Law in effect since January 29, 2017. Its goal is for buildings 20k sq feet & larger to be aware of their water & energy use. 
It asks building owners to:
Benchmark the energy & water use of their entire building each year
Have an audit of their energy & water systems performed every 5 years (timing based on LADBS ID, exemptions available)

What is a benchmark?

It is the reporting the use of water, waste and gas and/or electricity to LADBS for each month of the past calendar year.

What is an audit?

An audit provides a thorough assessment of your energy systems.
  • It catalogs and reports on a building’s energy use to give a future-focused, thorough analysis of its existing fixtures, their hourly demand charge, and potential savings using energy-efficient products
  • A thorough review of the existing systems to identify low-cost improvement opportunities.

Benefits of Audits & Benchmarking

  • Audit Benefits

    An energy & water audit not only gives you great data on how much money you can save by replacing old equipment, it also helps us all pitch in towards making Los Angeles a cleaner, better place for future generations.

  • Benchmarking Benefits

    Utility benchmarking is a big part of understanding your building's energy use. You can't manage what you don't measure. Let's all benchmark so that we can make sure we're managing our energy use in the best ways possible. Together, we can make the city of Los Angeles a clean, green, wonderful place to live.

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Who has to Comply?

Buildings that need to comply with EBEWE are Commercial & Multi-family properties 20k sq feet and larger, including:

  • Apartments & Condos

  • Religious organizations & schools

  • Industrial & Manufacturing

  • Strip Malls

  • Warehouses

  • Restaurants

  • Non-profits

Do You Have to Comply?

The City keeps a public list of buildings that need to file an annual benchmark and an audit every 5 years.

You can scroll to your address, or search the page by pressing control+F & entering your street number & name to locate it.

Make sure you check all the addresses related to your property.

*If your building has an Audit due date in the future it may not be listed yet at this link.


Where’s your notice?

Notices are sent out at least once a year. Reasons you might not have seen a notice:

  • A tenant received it

  • Sent to the wrong address - many times the mailing address the City has is not the same address where you receive mail

  • It was thrown out

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What’s the Point?

Compliance may seem confusing or unimportant, but here are a few reasons to get it done:

  • Avoid City fines

  • Avoid LADBS code violations

  • Understand your utility use and save money

  • Increase the value of your building

  • Support city energy savings goals

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Why Now?

The City of LA has officially ended its COVID-19 state of emergency and the EBEWE program and mandates are back in effect. Benchmarks and Audits are required to be completed as required by law. Waiting longer to comply increases your risk of fines & code violations!



Time is of the essence - LADWP and SoCal Gas only share a few years of data, so before they lock down past years, it’s important to get your benchmarks done correctly.



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Now What?

If your building is out of compliance, get rid of your risk for fines & code violations.

There are different options to complete your benchmark and/or audit. We're here to help you understand them all.

Note: We do not provide benchmarking or audit services, but we can talk you through if you need a vendor, and how to pick one that meets your needs/goals. This site is a tool to help LA building owners, property managers, and anyone else responsible for building management and compliance with LADBS to be aware of the City mandate, its rules, deadlines, and benefits.

Don’t think you need to comply? Contact LADBS EBEWE at ladbs.ebewe@lacity.org or (213) 482-0476.