BESO

Building Energy Saving
Ordinance (BESO)

City of Berkeley ONLY*

Our team has completed many BESO required Home Energy Scores for realtors, home owners, and contractors. By utilizing our services, we can help you achieve compliance without causing a major headache. By completing our online form or giving our office a call, we can help guide you through the process. 

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BESO COMPLIANCE STEPS

Providing contractors convenience and savings by utilizing our permit division,

along with our Archon Compass™ platform.

Check building status

Check building status

Look up the building address on the BESO property status list.

Choose compliance options

Choose compliance options

Submit Energy Assessment or Apply for Deferral (Time of Sale Deferral, Deferral for New or Planned Construction or Apply for Exemption.)

Complete BESO Application

Complete BESO Application Form

Complete the application form. If you need help, give us a call and our friendly staff can help!

Submit Completed BESO Application

Submit completed BESO application

After completion of the BESO application form and the Home Energy Score, submitting completed forms will be required by mail. Ask us how we can help!

Disclose Building Status to Prospective Buyers

Disclose building status to prospective buyers

BESO information and status is available on the City's website. Energy information must be provided to prospective buyers.

BESO Requirements:

Energy Efficiency Assessment

BESO requires building owners and homeowners to complete and publicly report comprehensive energy assessments to uncover energy saving opportunities. The assessments are conducted by registered energy assessors who provide tailored recommendations on how to save energy and link building owners to incentive programs for energy efficiency upgrade projects, such as Energy Upgrade California. Energy efficiency improvements are voluntary and encouraged. BESO is required prior to sale of a house or whole building under 25,000 square feet, and on a phased-in schedule for multifamily and commercial buildings.
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BESO Energy Assessments Reveal Individualized Energy Improvement Opportunities

Developed by the Department of Energy and its national laboratories, the Home Energy Score™ provides home owners, buyers, and renters directly comparable and credible information about a home’s energy use. Like a miles-per-gallon rating for a car, the Home Energy Score is based on a standard assessment of energy-related assets to easily compare energy use across the housing market. We utilize this assessment for BESO compliance.

Important BESO Documents:
  • BESO Application for Compliance
  • BESO Property Status List
  • Registered Energy Assessor List

How Our Process Works

*Services ONLY valid for City of Berkeley
We have developed a successful method for scheduling, assessing, and submitting customers into compliance. The BESO program has paperwork that must filled out along with a check, written to the City of Berkeley. When you’re in contact with our staff, we will discuss additional options that can keep you from any paperwork headaches. We aim to have compliance documents delivered in 5-10 business days.
Apply Now
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BESO inspection pricing guide:

0-2999 sqft home $425*

3000-4999 sqft home $525*

5000-6999 sqft home $625*

7000+ sqft home*

Contact us

*Pricing does not include the $79 fee to the BESO program.
Other fees and restrictions may apply.