Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs From Our California Community

More Questions?

Please don't hesitate to ask anything at all! As California's building performance requirements continue to evolve, we regularly update these answers to reflect new policies, programs, and resources. Contact the Hub or try asking the Building Support Agent.

Some Specifics to the Hub

(also visit Get Started page)

  • The California Building Performance Hub is a centralized digital resource designed to help building owners, municipalities, service providers, residents, tenants, and advocates understand and implement Building Performance Standards (BPS) across California.

  • The Hub can teach you how to benchmark your building to understand how your building’s energy efficiency compares to similar buildings, and offers tools like the Building Performance Calculator, which calculates energy use intensity and estimates greenhouse gas emissions.

  • This is a collaborative work in progress that will grow in value as our community contributes. Your suggestions for new resources, feedback on existing tools, and insights from your implementation experience are not only welcome but vital to making the Hub more useful for everyone. Contact our team to share your input.

  • Yes the AI-powered Building Support Agent, with its direct access to a substantial and growing repository of resources as well as our Help Desk offer personalized support, including answers to common questions and connection to live assistance when needed.

  • Municipalities can access model ordinances, implementation timelines, cross-jurisdiction templates, and peer learning opportunities to accelerate policy development and local adoption.

  • When funding is available, the Hub may be translated into additional languages, based on user demand and community needs.

Some Quick Basics on Building Performance Standards

(with links to comprehensive sections)

  • BPS are regulations that require large buildings—typically 25,000 square feet or larger—to track energy use annually and meet specific energy or emissions performance targets over time, with increasingly stringent requirements at regular intervals. Learn more here.

  • Compliance may be legally required based on your building type and jurisdiction. Beyond avoiding penalties, which can include fines and permit restrictions, compliance typically reduces energy costs, improves building value, and supports local climate goals. Check California policies here.

  • Compliance timelines vary by jurisdiction but typically follow 4-5 year cycles with interim reporting requirements. Check your local ordinance for specific deadlines, as some jurisdictions have already implemented requirements while others are still in development.

  • Start by determining your jurisdiction's specific requirements and compliance timeline. Then benchmark your building’s performance, and start planning your building’s long-term improvement strategy. Get started here.

  • The Hub’s financing section gives an overview of rebates, subsidies, tax credits, and financing tools from utilities, state programs, and community lenders. The Building Support Agent also offers localized incentive and financing information. With funding, a more comprehensive financing solution is planned.

  • The Hub plans to offer BPS-related trainings and a calendar of workshops, webinars, and related events, alongside on-demand training modules and workforce development resources.