Energize Denver Ordinance
The Energize Denver and Green Building Ordinances require buildings 25,000 sq. ft. and larger to:
- Submit annual benchmarking of the building’s energy use
- Meet energy performance requirements based on the building’s Energy Use Intensity (EUI)
- Electrify when replacing space and water heating equipment
Install a cool roof or meet other compliance options when replacing a roof
Benchmarking FAST FACTS:
Purpose: Requires Covered Building Owners to benchmark building energy performance, and makes such energy performance information publicly available in order to raise awareness and encourage reductions in energy consumption.
Who Must comply?
25,000+ sq. ft. for Municipal, Commercial, Multifamily, Manufacturing, Agricultural, and Industrial Buildings
Deadline: June 1st (Annual)
What are the fines?
Fines can range from $2,000 per year to millions for each compliance year that targets are not met.
Understanding the Energize Denver Performance Requirements
For buildings 25,000 square feet or more
Commercial and multifamily buildings 25,000 sq. ft. and larger are required to understand their energy usage and hit performance targets by key deadlines. Buildings must:
- Submit correct and complete benchmarking data to the city every year. Benchmarking ensures you track your energy performance and stay on track to meet your goals.
- Make progress towards a prescribed energy use intensity target based on your building type. You must hit targets in 2025*, 2027 and 2030.
Flexibility and Options
Energize Denver Building Performance Program is designed to give buildings flexibility in achieving performance targets. Since every building is unique, we have developed a variety of options that can help you find a compliance pathway that works for you:
Compliance PATHWAYS
- Target Adjustment – You may apply to adjust your building’s 2030 energy performance target to account for building operations, alterations, or other circumstances.
- Electrification Bonus – If at least 80% of your energy use is electric, we will make your 2030 target easier to meet.
- Renewable Credit – You will get credit for all on- and off-site renewable energy, regardless of who owns the renewable energy credits.
- Timeline Adjustment – You can apply to adjust your compliance timeline to account for circumstances that impede compliance. You can adjust one or several deadlines.