Energize Denver Ordinance
Buildings 5,000 to 24,999 sq. ft., do not have to send annual Benchmarking Reports or meet an energy use intensity performance requirement. Instead, these buildings have two options* to comply with Energize Denver:
- Improve Lighting: Certify that a minimum of 90% of the building’s total lighting load is provided by LED lights, or that all lighting meets 2019 Denver Building and Fire Code for lighting power density
- Improve Energy Source: Utilize on- or off-site renewable power generation to meet a minimum of 20% of the building’s annual site energy usage
*Building owners do not have to do both options, only one is required for compliance.
Alternate compliance options are also available for buildings where these two options are not feasible, particularly residential condominiums and buildings who wish to pursue a 15% energy use reduction.
Note: Partial electrification of space and water heating is another component of the Energize Denver Ordinance. While electrification is not required, it is a tool you can use.
Steps you can follow!
- Claim your building to verify your contact info: https://bit.ly/claimyourbuilding
- Find your building ID. This was on a compliance letter you received in late 2022. You can also find it at lookupunder25k.energizedenver.org
- Call a professional to help you figure out the best compliance pathway.
- Check out the step-by-step Compliance Guide for everything you need to get into compliance. Follow the QR code to get there or visit bit.ly/under25kguide
Understanding the Energize Denver
Alternate Compliance Options
An Owner of a Covered Building may apply for one of the following alternate compliance options. CASR will review and, subject to CASR’s sole discretion, may approve alternate compliance applications.
- Timeline Adjustment Option
- Residential Condominium Building Option
- 15% Energy Usage Reduction Option
Prescriptive Performance Requirements
Owners of Covered Buildings with a Gross Floor Area of 5,000-24,999 square feet that had received their Certificate of Occupancy or Temporary Certificate of Occupancy on or before November 22, 2021 must complete one of the following prescriptive requirements:
- Certify that a minimum of 90% of the building’s total lighting load is provided by LED lights, or that all lighting meets 2019 Denver Building and Fire Code for lighting power density, or
- Utilize on- or off-site renewable power generation to meet a minimum of 20% of the building’s annual site energy usage.
Compliance Schedule
Your deadline to complete these upgrades changes based on the size of your building. The larger buildings in this category must comply sooner, while the smaller ones have more time.
- Dec. 31, 2025: buildings 15,001-24,999 sq.ft in gross floor area
- Dec. 31, 2026: buildings 10,001-15,000 sq.ft in gross floor area
- Dec. 31, 2027: buildings 5,000-10,000 sq.ft in gross floor area