Don't list your Berkeley home until you hear this.

As of January 1st, 2026, the rules for Berkeley’s Building Emissions Saving Ordinance (BESO) have undergone a massive shift. Whether you are a homeowner, a buyer, or a real estate agent, these changes will directly impact your next transaction.

In this episode of See the Unseen, Building Scientist Shin Sano breaks down the new "Resilience Upgrade" requirements and shares strategic advice on navigating the 2026 market.

Key Takeaways:

• The End of Procrastination: Why sellers are now required to complete energy assessments before the property is listed.
• The $5,000 Ransom: Understanding the compliance deposit held in escrow and how to navigate the 6-credit "à la carte" menu of upgrades.
• Heat Pumps as a "Magic Bullet": Why investing in a heat pump is the ultimate "Golden Ticket" for a frictionless sale, especially in a buyer's market.
• Insider Story: How a small difference in interior vs. exterior square footage measurements saved one homeowner thousands of dollars.

Featured Compliance Menu:

For the full list of credits and requirements, refer to the official BESO COMPLIANCE GUIDE.

• 6 Credits (Instant Compliance): Heat Pump Water Heaters, Heat Pump HVAC, or Service Panel Upgrades.
• 3 Credits: Solar PV or Battery Storage.
• 1-2 Credits: Smart Service Panels, Attic Insulation, or EV Chargers.

Stop guessing and start building.
Visit Ambience.House to learn more or to book a consultation with Shin Sano.

Disclaimer: All information is based on regulations as of January 23rd, 2026.

Music Credits: Theme song "The Woods" - composed by Iris Sano

Hello, I am Shin Sano.

Welcome to See the Unseen. In this introductory episode, I share my journey from Automotive Design and a PhD in Informatics to becoming a Building Scientist and Home Energy Score Assessor in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Why does a designer/researcher spend time crawling under houses? Because it’s all about Data-Driven Design. I believe in making the invisible visible—decoding the hidden energy flows in our homes to create comfort and value.

Join me as I bridge the gap between human-centered design and building science, sharing DIY war stories and cultural insights from my roots in Japan.

Links & Resources:

• Official Website: https://ambience.house

• Book a Home Energy Score: ⁠https://ambience.house

• Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shin-s-86b4953/

  
  

  Music Credits:Theme song "The Woods" — Composed by Iris Sano