BOMA San Francisco Political Action Committee Update - June 3, 2014 Election

BOMA San Francisco Members:

The BOMA San Francisco Political Action Committee has been working diligently to promote good government in San Francisco.  The following is a brief update of the BOMA SF-PAC board members' efforts regarding the June 3, 2014 Statewide Direct Primary Election.  

• Proposition A - SUPPORT
• Earthquake Safety and Emergency Response Bond General Obligation Bond ($400,000,000)
• Click here for detailed information.

• Proposition B - OPPOSE
• Waterfront Height Limit Initiative
• Rationale
• The initiative undermines longstanding civic planning efforts to improve the waterfront and seeks to take away uniform protections of the bay and view from the Bay Conservation and Development Commission. 
• It jeopardizes 3,700 housing units, most of which are apartments. The City and County of San Francisco is in need of more housing to accommodate demand and to reduce the upward pressure on rents for our workforce.
• The measure risks shorting the City some $8 billion in tax revenues from development of the waterfront and may result in losing the opportunity to create 60,000 new jobs. 

San Francisco's Existing Commercial Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance - Compliance Data By Parcel

BOMA San Francisco Members:

Our partner in environmental sustainability, the San Francisco Department of Environment (DOE) has provided compliance data for the San Francisco Existing Commercial Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance.

• Click here for the report as of February 28, 2014;
• Click here for the same information via a map with search functionality. 

Please note that 'Benchmark 2012 Status' refers to the benchmark reports due in 2013 about energy use in 2012, and 'Energy Audit Status' is if an energy audit had come due, was it submitted?

Questions?  Please contact benchmark@sfenvironment.org or (415) 355-3700

About the Existing Commercial Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance

This data is available, as required, by the San Francisco Existing Commercial Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance approved by the Board of Supervisors and signed by Mayor Edwin M. Lee in February 2011.

The ordinance requires owners of non-residential buildings over 10,000 square feet to annually benchmark and disclose the energy performance of their buildings, using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Portfolio Manager tool to obtain ENERGY STAR ratings when possible.

2009 Existing Commercial Buildings Task Force - BOMA San Francisco's Involvement 

In February 2009, then Mayor Gavin Newsom created the Existing Buildings Efficiency Initiative Task Force (Task Force), co-chaired by BOMA San Francisco's 2013 president Steven Ring, to recommend policies and actions to improve the energy efficiency of existing commercial buildings in San Francisco. The Task Force continued the work of the 2007 Green Buildings Task Force that was convened by the Mayor to develop expanded green building standards for major new private construction projects in San Francisco.

The Task Force report identified seven areas as key factors to improving energy efficiency in existing commercial buildings.  The Task Force's recommendations provided the framework for the City and County of San Francisco to introduce and enact the Existing Commercial Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance.

BOMA San Francisco's applauds its members and the City and County of San Francisco for leading  in environmental sustainability and stewardship.  BOMA members look forward to partnering with the City of San Francisco achieve it's future environmental goals.  Indeed, the Existing Commercial Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance is a manifestation of a true private/public agency partnership.

BOMA San Francisco Members Meet with California Assemblymember Marc Levine

BOMA San Francisco Members:

Recently, Anne Hill with Bentley Holdings and Mina Rad with Woodmont Real Estate Services joined BOMA staff at a meeting with Assemblymember Marc Levine at his San Rafael office.  

From L to R: A. Hill; M. Levine; T. Brubaker; M. Rad; K. Cleaveland

Topics discussed at this gathering included:

• The selection of a new California State Assembly Speaker;
• The use of recycled water for livestock;
• The progress for state electric vehicle charging station standards;
• Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART);
• E-cigarettes the Ellis Act and much more. 

Both Anne Hill and Mina Rad invited Mr. Levine to tour their respective commercial office properties.  

Deadline for Innovative EARTH Awards Application Extended to Thursday, March 27th

BOMA San Francisco Members:

BOMA’s Bay Area EARTH Award has been renamed the Innovative EARTH Award and the deadline to apply for it has been extended to March 27th.

By shifting the focus of the contest to innovations only, this dynamic new program will allow BOMA members the opportunity to highlight the innovative measures BOMA San Francisco and BOMA Oakland East Bay members are implementing in pursuit of environmental sustainability in the commercial real estate industry.

The application is quick, easy to complete, and limited documentation is required.  Any BOMA member may participate.  

APPLY TODAY - DUE MARCH 27, 2014

Innovations should seek to address these issues within the building:

• Energy conservation;
• Waste diversion;
• Water conservation;
• Hazardous materials management;
• Transportation;
• Tenant education;
• Or, any other new and interesting sustainable practice. 

An example of an Innovative EARTH Award entry might be a vegetable garden for tenants, or a tenant carpool or vanpool coordinated by the building.

Applications for BOMA’s new Innovative Earth Award are due March 24, 2014 and will be reviewed by BOMA San Francisco's Energy and Environment Committee. Winners will be announced at the BOMA Innovative Earth Award luncheon on April 24, 2014.

APPLY TODAY - DUE MARCH 27, 2014

San Francisco Police Department ALERT Program - Call for Volunteers

BOMA San Francisco Members:

The Auxiliary Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) is a citizen disaster preparedness program designed for volunteers 16 years of age or older, who live, work, or attend high school in San Francisco.  ALERT is administered through the San Francisco Police Department and it is modeled after the San Francisco Fire Department's successful Neighborhood Emergency Response Team (NERT) program.  

Objective

The goal of the program is to locate, train, and then coordinate volunteers to safely perform essential tasks after a major disaster. Such tasks might include: 

• Traffic control
• Foot patrol of business and residential areas
• Reporting criminal activity
• Looting and property damage observation
• Supplying information to the incident Command Post
• Working in partnership with NERT volunteers to provide well-being checks
• Assisting with medical aid
• Assisting with Command Post functions
• Assisting Animal Care and Control in the handling of pets
• Securing resource locations
• Delivering logistical supplies

In addition, ALERT members will direct individuals to mass casualty and shelter locations, assist at reunification centers, provide support at schools for reunification, and participate in Operation Return.

Call for Volunteers

Volunteers will receive training from both the San Francisco Fire Department and the San Francisco Police Department. ALERT volunteers will first complete NERT training and then graduate into an 8 hour Police Department course specifically designed for ALERT team members. The ALERT program will have Basic, Senior, and Supervisory level positions. Based upon the volunteer’s level of additional training, he/she may wish to obtain Senior or Supervisory level status.

If you're interested, please click here and follow the instructions to become a SFPD ALERT team member.

BOMA Members Support Electronic Cigarette Legislation

BOMA San Francisco Members,

UPDATE - March 20, 2014

At their most recent meeting, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously passed legislation introduced by Supervisors Eric Mar, John Avalos, David Chiu, and Norman Yee to regulate electronic cigarettes.  The details can be reviewed here and in the January 30, 2014 blog post, below.  The measure will be reviewed once more by the Board on March 25, 2014 and then it will be sent to Mayor Ed Lee for his consideration and possible signature.

At the February meeting of BOMA San Francisco's Government Affairs Policy Advisory Committee (GAPAC), BOMA members voted to support the measure.

--------------------

Original Post - January 30, 2014

Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, are not regulated in San Francisco at present.  Supervisors Eric Mar, John Avalos and David Chiu introduced an ordinance that would amend the San Francisco Health Code to:

• Prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes where smoking is otherwise prohibited; 
• Require a tobacco permit for the sale of electronic cigarettes; 
• And prohibit the sale of electronic cigarettes where the sale of tobacco products is otherwise prohibited.

BOMA San Francisco's Advocacy Team and Government Affairs Policy Advisory Committee (GAPAC) are currently reviewing the legislation.  More information on our members' position will be reported soon.  Please contact johnb@boma.com for any questions you may have.

BOMA San Francisco Members Learn About High-Rise Emergencies & How To Maintain Control

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BOMA San Francisco Members:

An incident in or around your commercial high-rise building can escalate and make for a chaotic situation. This is true regardless of the type of emergency: a fire; demonstration on your sidewalk; or, an earthquake.  Indeed, BOMA San Francisco members recently learned how to maintain control on the property during any emergency at a FREE workshop.

This event, produced by BOMA San Francisco Emergency Preparedness Committee (EPC) members delivered important information to high-rise building owners, managers, security directors, and vendors that conveyed the importance of devising a plan to:

• Make the most appropriate decisions in an emergency;
• Enhance communication with tenants, visitors and emergency responders;
• And, maintain thorough records for insurance purposes.

BOMA members also learned about the importance of an Incident Command Center (ICC) model as a way to respond any emergency effectively.  Using examples from real incidents, Lee Yurman (above and at left), Security and Fire Safety Director for the Post Montgomery Center, explained how they use their ICC to plan and train for the best outcomes to the worst situations.

Thank you to everyone who attended the workshop and stay tuned for more free preparedness educational opportunities from the EPC in 2014.

Have You Heard About Energy Benchmarking for Commercial Buildings?

BOMA San Francisco Members:

Non-profit communications firm Resource Media, is conducting a survey of building owners and managers of commercial properties in the range of 20k to 50k square feet.   This effort is part of their research to help cities best communicate with building owners about energy benchmarking programs.

The online survey takes less than ten minutes to complete, and those who finish it will be have a chance to win one of five $100 Amazon gift cards. Your input will help municipalities design better outreach and communication efforts for existing building energy benchmarking programs like in San Francisco.

San Francisco Energy Watch Incentives for Lighting Controls to Expire

BOMA San Francisco Members:

The SF Energy Watch program, a partnership between the City of San Francisco and Pacific Gas and Electric Company, has been offering technical assistance and financial incentives to commercial customers and multifamily building owners in San Francisco since 2006. 

However, the available incentives for lighting controls are set to expire due to changes in the Title 24 Building Code, a subset of the California Code of Regulations that sets the guidelines for building design, operation and efficiency throughout the state.

SF Energy Watch incentives for the following measures are available through June 30, 2014:

 

Occupancy Sensors

Photocell Controls

Bi-Level Lighting Controls

(Typically installed in garages and stairwells)

Time Clocks

Last Chance to Receive Incentives!

If you have been considering installing lighting controls in your building, now is the time to contact SF Energy Watch. Particularly, bi-level lighting parking and garage lighting have potential to generate significant energy savings.

Take advantage of these valuable incentives while there is still time! Remember, it may take several months from application submission to project completion, so don't delay! Call SF Energy Watch at 415-355-3769 or e-mail energywatch@sfenvironment.org to get started today.

Additional Resources

• California Energy Commission: 2013 Building Energy Efficiency Standards
• PG&E 2014 Title 24 Extension Products
• SF Energy Watch

Thank you to our partners at the San Francisco Department of Environment for this information.  

BOMA International Advocacy Update - Leasehold Depreciation Bill Introduced, Tenant Star Legislation Moves Forward & EPA Building Competition

Long-Awaited Leasehold Depreciation Bill Introduced in House

Legislation that would permanently reduce the timeline to 15 years for depreciating leasehold improvements was finally introduced yesterday in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.). Congressman Kelly was joined by Representatives Jim Gerlach (R-Pa.), Richard Neal (D-Mass.) and Ron Kind (D-Wisc.) as original cosponsors of H.R. 4212. The Senate companion bill, S. 749, was introduced during the 113th Congress back in April of last year. BOMA International will continue to work with both chambers of Congress to secure renewal of this policy for 2014, while also making the case for it to be included as part of comprehensive tax reform.


'Tenant Star' Legislation Passes in House

On March 5, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2014 (H.R. 2126) by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 375-36. Introduced by Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), one of the speakers at BOMA’s recent Winter Business Meeting & National Issues Conference, the bill seeks to address the issue of energy efficiency in tenant spaces by establishing best practices for commercial tenants and creating a new 'Tenant Star' program to certify tenant space in commercial buildings as highly energy efficient. The legislation also will impose new requirements for buildings that lease space to the federal government to benchmark and disclose energy data and require federal agencies to implement strategies to increase the energy efficiency of data centers operated by the federal government.

In the Senate, the outlook for passing energy legislation remains unclear. Congratulations to the Real Estate Roundtable for their work in promoting the Tenant Star program.


EPA’s 2014 National Building Competition Opens in April

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) once again will be hosting its annual Battle of the Buildings competition. Starting on April 16, buildings across the nation will compete in a head-to-head battle to see which building can save the most energy and water. New this year, teams of buildings also will be competing with each other, allowing for greater savings in energy and water efficiency through the spirit of collaboration.

Teams and individual buildings will compete to see who can reduce the most energy and water on a percentage basis between calendar years 2013 and 2014. Starting with 2013 data, buildings will work to improve throughout the year and report their savings at two “weigh-ins.” The teams and buildings with the greatest savings will be recognized by EPA.

To enter your building, submit 2013 building information to EPA during the application period of April 16-May 16. For more information, visit www.energystar.gov/battleofthebuildings.

BOMA California Advocacy Update - CALGreen Building Code Update & 2014 Legislation Review

BOMA San Francisco Members:

Please take a moment to review the latest BOMA California updates to the CALGreen building code and a request from our advocates in Sacramento to assist them in reviewing proposed legislation that may impact the California commercial real estate industry.  Questions?  Please email Matthew Hargrove, Ken Cleaveland, and John Bozeman.

CALGreen Update Begins; Construction Waste Proposal Withdrawn

Recently, the California Building Standards Commission Green Code Advisory Committee discussed a range of proposals for the interim building code update.  Ideas that emerge from these amendments impact almost everything from electric vehicle charging station ratios and installation, to indoor air quality, and water efficiency guidelines to name a few.

As required by industry-sponsored legislation, state agencies proposing to amend the state building codes must first have their code change proposal heard by at least one of the BSC’s Code Advisory Committees (CAC).  These advisory committees then provide the proposing agency and the commission with advice on whether the code change should be rejected, approved, or approved with amendments.

Due to the objection of industry representatives and the enforcement community, the Building Standards Commission did withdrawal a proposal to increase the amount of construction waste and debris which must be recycled or reused.  State law and the California Green Building Code currently require at least 50% of construction waste and debris to be recycled or reused.  The BSC had proposed to increase this percentage to 65% starting July of 2015, a year and a half ahead of the schedule previously announced.

Industry and the enforcement community objected over the lack of adequate cost impact data and the fact that mixed-use projects would be dealing with two different standards for the same project.  Since the BSC chose to withdraw this proposal, it will not move forward and cannot be heard at the July BSC Adoption Hearing.

This is an ongoing process.  Proposals are technical and complicated.  BOMA California member participation is highly encouraged.  Here are the non-residential changes that were discussed: California Building Standards Commission (BSC 06/13) - Amend the triennial edition of the 2013 California Green Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 11.

2014 California State Legislation Review - Commercial Real Estate Experts Needed

In 2013, BOMA California followed more than 250 bills that had a potential impact on our industry. Many of those bills did not make it through the process or were amended in a way that resolved our concerns. The cycle starts over again in 2014. BOMA staff and members are reading every proposal to identify those issues that may have an impact our industry.  This process can only be effective if we have our BOMA industry experts (like you!) to help.

As a BOMA member, if you hear of any issue or bill in Sacramento that may be of concern to you, please inform our BOMA California advocate, Matthew Hargrove with the bill number, or just the subject matter, and he will research the issue.  This process prevents an impactful measure - either positively or negatively - from passing without being reviewed by BOMA's commercial real estate member experts.

An industry wide meeting with representatives from all the major commercial real estate groups active in California will gather on April 3, 2014 to review all bills and determine policy direction. If you are interested in participating please email Mr. Hargrove.

Click here for more information from BOMA California.

BOMA EARTH Awards to Focus on Innovation - Applications Due on March 24, 2014

BOMA San Francisco Members:

BOMA’s Bay Area EARTH Award has been renamed the Innovative EARTH Award.

By shifting the focus of the contest to innovations only, this dynamic new program will allow BOMA members the opportunity to highlight the innovative measures BOMA San Francisco and BOMA Oakland East Bay members are implementing in pursuit of environmental sustainability in the commercial real estate industry.

The application is quick, easy to complete, and limited documentation is required.  Any BOMA member may participate.  

APPLY TODAY - DUE MARCH 24, 2014

Innovations should seek to address these issues within the building:

• Energy conservation;
• Waste diversion;
• Water conservation;
• Hazardous materials management;
• Transportation;
• Tenant education;
• Or, any other new and interesting sustainable practice. 

An example of an Innovative EARTH Award entry might be a vegetable garden for tenants, or a tenant carpool or vanpool coordinated by the building.

Applications for BOMA’s new Innovative Earth Award are due March 24, 2014 and will be reviewed by BOMA San Francisco's Energy and Environment Committee. Winners will be announced at the BOMA Innovative Earth Award luncheon on April 24, 2014.

APPLY TODAY - DUE MARCH 24, 2014

$10 Million for Innovative Commercial Building Technologies

BOMA San Francisco Members:

The U.S. Department of Energy Department recently announced a $10 million funding opportunity to help demonstrate and deploy energy efficiency technologies for commercial buildings, including projects that will bring next generation building systems and components to a broader market faster – helping to save building owners and businesses money by saving energy.

The Department also released a new video in its Energy 101 series highlighting how commercial buildings can incorporate whole-building design and innovative technologies to improve energy performance. These proven strategies, including daylighting, shading, and plug and process loads, support the Administration’s Better Buildings Initiative, which is aimed at making commercial buildings 20% more efficient by 2020.

This funding opportunity supports the demonstration and deployment of technologies to reduce energy use and carbon emissions in commercial buildings: sub-metering; plug load strategies; open refrigerated display case retrofits; daylighting; shading; advanced compressor rack and refrigerant systems; and retro-commissioning strategies and technologies. The funding will support the testing and validation of technology performance in real buildings, as well as the creation of materials to help building owners, designers, service providers, and energy efficiency program managers to gain a broader understanding of these energy-saving solutions.

The Energy Department seeks proposals from industry, regional organizations, non-profits, utilities, and similar organizations. Applicant teams will develop a plan to demonstrate and deploy selected technologies at regional or national scale. Learn more about this funding opportunity announcement or register for the upcoming webinar.

Ryan Rusler, Jose Guevara and Stacia Keisner - Leaders of BOMA San Francisco's Emergency Preparedness Committee in 2014

BOMA San Francisco Members:

Please take a moment to learn about your Emergency Preparedness Committee (EPC) leadership team for the commercial real estate industry in 2014.

If you are a BOMA member with an interest in security and life safety measures in commercial high rise office buildings, please email John M. Bozeman, BOMA San Francisco's Manager of Government and Public Affairs at johnb@boma.com.

Click here to learn more about the EPC and why you should get involved.

Ryan Rusler

Chair, Emergency Preparedness Committee 

Ryan Rusler is an Executive Account Manager at Har-Bro Restoration. He is an expert in assisting BOMA members and companies establish disaster preparedness and mitigation plans.  His experience comes from responding to emergency issues for Har-Bro’s commercial real estate clients.  Ryan is the 2014 Chair of the BOMA San Francisco Emergency Preparedness Committee (EPC).

BOMA San Francisco's EPC has, though member participation and involvement, provided Ryan with a better understanding of how to prepare commercial real estate professionals for unplanned events. The committee structure, discussion and networking at the monthly meetings allows for Ryan to engage with BOMA members and to understand the most urgent preparedness needs for commercial building owners and property managers. 

Lastly, BOMA San Francisco's annual emergency preparedness drill and subsequent seminar allows Har-Bro to better assist San Francisco's public emergency response agencies.

Jose Guevara

Co-Vice Chair, Emergency Preparedness Committee

Jose Guevara is a 25 year veteran of the commercial real estate industry in the San Francisco Bay Area.  He is currently employed by Cushman & Wakefield as the Property Manager at the Post Montgomery Center.  Jose is the Co-Vice Chair of the BOMA San Francisco Emergency Preparedness Committee and is an instructor for BOMA San Francisco's Foundation class: a program that helps to educate the BOMA San Francisco member workforce in the commercial real estate field.

Jose's passion for environmental sustainability and preparedness issues in commercial buildings cannot be overstated.  Under his management, Post Montgomery Center earned LEED Gold Certification in 2009. Jose is also a former Chair and Vice Chair of BOMA San Francisco's Energy and Environment Committee and was active in BOMA’s Energy Efficiency Program (BEEP).  Jose has his sales license, Real Property Administrator (RPA®) Designation, and earned a LEED AP credential in 2008.  He is also a member of the USGBC Northern California Chapter. 

It is wasn't for BOMA, Jose would not only would have nothing to do but he wouldn't have achieved the industry success he has enjoyed.

Stacia Keisner

Co-Vice Chair, Emergency Preparedness Committee 

Stacia Keisner is a General Manager at CBRE, overseeing two Class-A high-rise buildings owned by Morgan Stanley. 

Prior to joining CBRE, Stacia was a General Manager at Equity Office Properties. She received her B.S. from University of California at Davis, and is a native Californian, having grown up in the East Bay. Stacia has been actively involved in the BOMA San Francisco Emergency Preparedness Committee for over four years, volunteering on the Training Subcommittee, and most recently chairing the Communications Subcommittee. She is currently serving in the role of Co-Vice Chair. Being involved in this committee has not only been a terrific way to network with fellow managers and public sector liaisons (yes, she regularly brushes shoulders with the Central Station Police Captain, might come in handy one day), but has increased her breadth of knowledge on emergency procedures for commercial high-rise buildings.   Her involvement in this committee prompted a complete review of her buildings’ emergency procedures by her entire team which resulted in some significant changes. Her building occupants and the property itself has benefited from the best preparedness practices she has gleaned from this committee.

In her free time Stacia enjoys traveling, doing just about anything in Tahoe (skiing, hiking, biking, boating), and most recently training the newest addition to her family, Murphy, a terrier mix she and her partner, Val, recently rescued. An avid photographer, Stacia recently returned from a landscape photography workshop in the Eastern Sierras where she withstood sub zero temps to get the 'perfect' shot at sunrise and sunset. Let’s just say she will be returning…

BOMA's Annual Advocacy Focus - The 2014 Issues Report is Now Available

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The 2014 Issues Report, BOMA's  premier advocacy publication, has been revitalized and is now available for BOMA members to review.  The Report communicates and provides guidance to elected leaders and BOMA stakeholders regarding legislative and regulatory issues that affect the commercial real estate industry.

One example of BOMA's efforts is reflected in the infographic, at right.  It details how BOMA's involvement helped save our members a substantial amount of money recently last year through the 2013 code development cycle.  Read more about how BOMA advocates for you in the 2014 Issues Report.  

If you would like to have a printed copy of the Report, please email Emily Naden at enaden@boma.org.