activeCity and County of Denver

Energize Denver

Energize Denver Building Performance Ordinance

Overview

Applies To

Buildings over 25,000 sqft must meet performance targets; buildings 5,000-24,999 sqft have lighting/renewable requirements

Building Size Threshold

25,000 sqft (performance targets); 5,000 sqft (lighting/renewable)

Building Types

Commercial, multifamily residential, institutional

Effective Date

2021

Jurisdiction

City and County of Denver

State

Colorado

Current Status

Active with phased compliance. 2025 interim targets shifted to 2028; 2027 interim deadline eliminated. Penalty rates halved for buildings 25,000+ sqft. Final 2030 EUI targets remain.

Key Deadlines

June 1, 2026

Annual benchmarking report due for 2025 calendar year (buildings 25,000+ sqft)

December 2026

Initial compliance deadline for buildings 10,001-15,000 sqft

December 31, 2030

Final EUI performance target must be met for all covered buildings

Penalties & Enforcement

Penalty

$2,000 benchmarking fine; $0.30-$0.70/kBtu excess

$2,000 fine for unapproved benchmarking reports; $0.30-$0.70 per kBtu above performance targets

Compliance Requirements

Annual energy benchmarking via ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager

Meet building-type-specific EUI performance targets

Buildings 5,000-24,999 sqft: LED lighting (90% of load) or 20% renewable energy

Develop and implement energy improvement plans for non-compliant buildings

Data Required

12 months of energy consumption data (electricity, gas)

Building gross floor area and use type

EUI calculations by building type

LED lighting certification or renewable energy documentation (smaller buildings)

How to Submit

Submission Method

City of Denver Energize Denver online portal

Submission Format

ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager; Energize Denver compliance portal

Official Resources

Official City and County of Denver Resource

https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Climate-Action-Sustainability-Resiliency/High-Performance-Buildings-and-Homes/Energize-Denver

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