West Hollywood Energy Benchmarking & Building Performance Standards

On December 20, 2021, the City of West Hollywood voted to adopt the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (WeHo Climate Action). The WeHo Climate Action establishes a path to reach carbon neutrality through benchmarking and building performance standards. The proposed policy requires owners of nonresidential and multifamily buildings that are 20,000 square feet or larger in size to annually track their energy and water use with the EPA ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager® platform and share it with the City of West Hollywood.

In December 2025, the City Council adopted the benchmarking and Building Performance Standard regulation. The City has a goal to become carbon neutral by 2035. Approximately 80% of the City’s existing residential buildings must be electrified by 2035 in order to reach carbon neutrality.

This program builds on existing state law (CA Assembly Bill 802) and will help the City reach the greenhouse gas emission reduction and water conservation goals of WeHo Climate Action. Your compliance with this ordinance meets City and State requirements and helps to achieve climate action goals, reduce air pollution, save water, and improve the quality of life in West Hollywood.

If you own or manage any commercial or multifamily building of at least 20,000 square feet, you are required to comply. In addition, your buildings will be required to meet set energy and water performance standards starting as early as 2027. If you do not meet these standards, your building may be subject to penalties.

The city requires building owners to report their energy and water usage annually via the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager tool by May 15th.

All energy utilities including electricity, natural gas, district energy, and any other purchased fuel type used to operate your building.

The fines for non-compliance are as follows:

• Buildings failing to comply with Benchmark reporting requirements shall not exceed a fine of $1,000.

• Buildings failing to comply with Final Performance Standards shall be subject to fines equal to the Social Cost of Carbon for each unachieved CO2e reduction.

• Failure to comply with both benchmarking and performance standards shall face a fine up to $10 per square foot.

Building owners must report their energy usage data to EPA’s Portfolio Manager, a reporting tool that allows building owners to compare their building’s energy efficiency with similar buildings.

However:

• Touchstone IQ for Buildings is a fast, easy-to-use tool that integrates directly with EPA’s Portfolio Manager

• Touchstone IQ also offers expert-led benchmarking to building owners and managers looking for streamlined compliance and cost-saving recommendations

Many benchmarking ordinances require a Building ID as part of the report submission process. If needed, you may be able to find your Building ID number here.

West Hollywood large properties are not currently exempt from California state energy benchmarking laws and have to report to the City and State. Learn more about exempted local benchmarking ordinances in California here.

• West Hollywood Energy Building Performance Program

• West Hollywood's Energy Building Performance Ordinance (BPO)

Touchstone IQ for Buildings offers expert-led benchmarking and easy DIY tools for West Hollywood’s large properties. Simplify energy benchmarking compliance while gaining the tools to save money and build your energy intelligence with our exclusive software platform. Gain access to the nation's leading energy experts to ensure significant improvements in your energy usage for your commercial, multifamily, or public building. Our team has partnered with entities of all sizes to reduce their carbon footprint, reach ambitious targets, and comply with new regulations. Whether you're looking for comprehensive, step-by-step guidance to craft your energy management plan or a convenient, intuitive benchmarking solution, we've got you covered. Schedule your free personalized demo today or contact us for pricing or questions.