In February of this year, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the Existing Commercial Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance with the intent to increase the energy and resource efficiency of existing buildings to meet the City’s aggressive greenhouse gas reduction targets.
The city’s Climate Action Plan calls for reducing greenhouse gas emissions 20% below 1990 levels and lays out key action areas: energy efficiency, renewable energy, solid waste management, and transportation. Commercial buildings present a ripe target for energy efficiency and carbon reduction initiatives—and the biggest opportunity lies with existing structures, which far outnumber new buildings.
The current commercial building stock in San Francisco is approximately 196 million square feet. The ordinance will apply to roughly 3,000 commercial buildings encompassing more than 160 million square feet.
Energy Ordinance
Owners must annually benchmark commercial buildings’ energy usage using EPA ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and report an Annual Energy Benchmark Summary (AEBS) to the San Francisco Department of the Environment (SFDOE) and to existing tenants in the building.
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In March 2025, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) rescinded its 2022 directive that had imposed standardized radon testing requirements on all multifamily properties financed through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The new radon policy was effective immediately; however, the agency guidance documents would be updated at a later date.
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Matthew Marcus, Managing Director at Partner Engineering and Science Inc., was recently featured as a guest speaker by The Ground Investigation Podcast. He shares his extensive experience in geotechnical engineering, seismic resilience, and project management.
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In today’s economic landscape, commercial real estate owners must use every tool available to protect the value of their facilities. One such tool that is often overlooked or mismanaged during a real estate acquisition is the existing roof warranty. Transferring an existing warranty ensures that your roof remains covered under manufacturer protections, preventing the risk of unexpected repair costs.
