BESO Compliance Calculator

Berkeley BESO Compliance Calculator - Megan Micco

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Berkeley BESO Compliance Calculator

Calculate your compliance score and discover the easiest path to meet Berkeley's Building Emissions Saving Ordinance requirements

Select Your Completed or Planned Upgrades

Check all upgrades that are already complete or that you plan to complete. Upgrades completed within the last 5 years count toward compliance.

🏆 Major Upgrades (6 Credits Each - Instant Compliance!)

Heat Pump Water Heater ? Typical installed range for heat pump water heaters in Bay Area homes. Electrical work included. Permit required for new installations; existing heat pumps may be documented via Home Energy Score report.

6 Credits $$$ ($6,000-$12,000) Details ↗

Heat Pump HVAC ? Full HVAC heat pump installation including interior & exterior units. Range reflects ducted & ductless options. Permit required for new installations; existing heat pumps may be documented via Home Energy Score report.

6 Credits $$$ ($12,000-$25,000) Details ↗

Knob & Tube Replacement with Pre-Wiring ? Removal of old wiring and pre-wire for electrification. Costs vary significantly by home age, square footage, and wall accessibility.

6 Credits $$$ ($5,000-$50,000) Details ↗

Smart Service Panel ? Includes smart breaker panel & installation; may accompany other electrical upgrades.

6 Credits $$$ ($2,000-$6,000) Details ↗

Electrical Service Panel Upgrade ? Upgrade to 200 amp or larger service; higher end includes trenching/fed line work.

6 Credits $$$ ($2,000-$10,000+) Details ↗

⚡ Medium Upgrades (3 Credits Each)

Solar PV ? Typical 5–8 kW residential system (before incentives). Costs vary by system size, roof complexity, and interconnection fees.

3 Credits $$$ ($12,000-$30,000+) Details ↗

Battery Energy Storage System ? Residential battery coupled with solar; size and warranty affect cost. Includes electrical work and permit fees.

3 Credits $$$ ($8,000-$20,000+) Details ↗

🔌 Practical Upgrades (2 Credits Each)

EV Charger ? Level 2 home EV charger installation. Includes hardwired unit, electrical work, and permit. May require panel upgrade.

2 Credits $$ ($500-$2,000) Details ↗

Electric or Induction Range ? Replace gas range with electric or induction cooktop. Includes appliance and gas line capping (always required). 240V circuit installation may be needed depending on model. Permit required.

2 Credits $$ ($800-$3,000) Details ↗

Window Replacements (50-75% of windows) ? Whole-house replacement with energy-efficient windows. Permits & labor vary by number of windows.

2 Credits $$$ ($5,000-$15,000+) Details ↗

Window Replacements (75%+ of windows) ? Whole-house replacement with energy-efficient windows. Permits & labor vary by number of windows.

4 Credits $$$ ($5,000-$15,000+) Details ↗

High Home Energy Score (9 or 10) ? Homes scoring 9 or 10 on the DOE Home Energy Score assessment qualify. Score reflects overall energy efficiency from assessor evaluation.

2 Credits N/A (Based on assessment)

Wall Insulation (50-75% of walls) ? Blown-in or injection foam insulation for exterior walls. Cost varies by wall area, access method, and home construction type.

2 Credits $$$ ($3,000-$8,000) Details ↗

Wall Insulation (75%+ of walls) ? Blown-in or injection foam insulation for exterior walls. Cost varies by wall area, access method, and home construction type.

4 Credits $$$ ($8,000-$15,000) Details ↗

Attic Insulation ? Blown-in or batt insulation to meet minimum R-38 value. Includes air sealing and ventilation considerations. Cost varies by attic size and access.

2 Credits $$ ($1,500-$4,000) Details ↗

HVAC Duct Improvements ? Duct sealing, insulation, or replacement to improve efficiency. Includes testing and verification. Often combined with HVAC upgrades.

2 Credits $$ ($1,000-$3,000) Details ↗

Whole-house Fan ? Attic-mounted ventilation fan for natural cooling. Includes installation, electrical work, and attic venting. Reduces cooling costs in Bay Area climate.

2 Credits $$ ($800-$2,000) Details ↗

💡 Quick Wins (1-2 Credits Each)

Electric Clothes Dryer (Heat Pump) ? Energy-efficient heat pump dryer. Includes appliance and gas line capping (always required). 240V circuit may be needed depending on model. Uses 50% less energy than standard dryers. Permit required.

2 Credits $$ ($1,000-$2,000) Details ↗

Electric Clothes Dryer (Resistive) ? Standard electric resistance dryer. Includes appliance and gas line capping (always required). 240V circuit may be needed depending on model. Consider heat pump model for better efficiency. Permit required.

1 Credit $ ($400-$800) Details ↗

Prewiring & 240v Receptacles (3+ circuits) ? Install 240V circuits for future electrification needs (range, dryer, EV charger, etc.). Includes wiring, receptacles, and permits.

2 Credits $$ ($1,000-$3,000) Details ↗

Prewiring & 240v Receptacles (1-2 circuits) ? Install 240V circuits for future electrification needs. Includes wiring, receptacles, and permits. Good first step for gradual electrification.

1 Credit $ ($300-$1,000) Details ↗

Floor/Crawlspace Insulation ? Insulate floors above unconditioned spaces or crawlspace walls. Includes vapor barrier if needed. Cost varies by access and crawlspace condition.

1 Credit $$ ($1,500-$4,000) Details ↗

Greywater System ? Reuse water from sinks, showers, and laundry for landscape irrigation. Includes plumbing modifications and permits. Reduces water consumption significantly.

1 Credit $$ ($1,000-$4,000) Details ↗

Air Sealing ? Seal air leaks in building envelope using caulk, weatherstripping, and foam. Includes blower door testing. Reduces energy waste and improves comfort. Permit not required.

1 Credit $ ($500-$1,500) Details ↗

Your BESO Score

of 6 credits needed

💡 Recommendations

Need help navigating BESO? Get expert guidance on compliance strategies and cost-effective upgrade pathways.

View Home Electrification Resources →

Note: Cost estimates are before local, state, or federal rebates and incentives. Check Switch Is On for available rebates in your area.

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Important: This calculator is for estimation purposes only. Actual compliance requirements may vary based on your specific property. All upgrades must be properly permitted and meet code requirements.

Official BESO information: City of Berkeley BESO Requirements

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