Question 1

What does Energize Denver require buildings to do?

Accepted Answer

Energize Denver requires each building to meet a certain level of energy efficiency through operations and/or equipment improvements. Large buildings (25,000+ sq. ft.) need to reach an energy efficiency target based on their building type by 2032. Small buildings (5,000–24,999 sq. ft.) must either upgrade lighting to LED or use renewable energy to cover at least 20% of annual energy use.

Question 2

What do 25K+ sq. ft. buildings need to do to comply?

Accepted Answer

Compliance with Energize Denver is achieved by meeting your building's energy efficiency goal and submitting your annual benchmarking report. Start by checking that your building’s energy efficiency target is correct. Then, see if you’re already meeting it or if you’ll need energy efficiency improvements. Some buildings only need small adjustments, while others may need bigger upgrades over time. The program is designed to make this process manageable and achievable.

Question 3

What are the key steps to compliance for 25K+ sq. ft. buildings?

Accepted Answer

To comply, larger buildings (25,000+ sq. ft.) should:  
Benchmark and submit your energy use; 
Confirm your building’s efficiency target; 
Complete an energy audit if required;  
Consider renewable energy options;  
Create a compliance plan; and  
Request an extension if needed.  
These steps are designed to keep your path to compliance straightforward and manageable.

Question 4

What are the key steps to compliance for 5K–24,999 sq. ft. Buildings?

Accepted Answer

Small buildings (5,000–24,999 sq. ft.) must either upgrade their lighting to LED or use onsite or off-site solar to cover 20% of their annual energy use. This simpler requirement helps keep compliance affordable and manageable for smaller buildings. There are also alternate compliance paths if one of these requirements doesn't work for your building.

Question 5

Does the Energize Denver policy apply to new buildings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. New buildings start reporting after they’ve been in operation for one full calendar year. At that point, they transition from “new construction” to “existing building” and must follow the established compliance process to meet their energy efficiency goal. We recommend that new building projects work to ensure the building is designed to operates at or better than its energy efficiency goal.

Question 6

My property is mixed use and does not fit under one building use. How detailed should I be when entering my use details?

Accepted Answer

Be as specific as possible. Enter each use type in your building, even if some spaces are under 5,000 square feet. This ensures your energy efficiency goal reflects the real use of your building. If you didn’t previously separate high-intensity spaces, you may need to apply for a target adjustment.

Question 7

My building is on the downtown district steam loop. What are my options for compliance?

Accepted Answer

Today, there are buildings on the downtown steam loop who already meet their energy efficiency targets. The city is working with Xcel Energy on a plan to decarbonize the steam system. Until then, you may apply for a timeline extension for major equipment upgrades connected to the loop. In the meantime, you should continue to pursue other energy efficiency improvements, such as lighting, controls, and operations.

Question 8

When are the compliance deadlines?

Accepted Answer

Large buildings (25,000+ sq. ft.) must submit a benchmarking report on an annual basis and reach an interim energy efficiency target in 2028 and their final energy efficiency target by 2032. Small buildings (5,000–24,999 sq. ft.) have different deadlines depending on their size. The first deadline was in 2025, and the next two are in 2026 and 2027.

Question 9

Does each building have to reduce their energy use 30%?

Accepted Answer

No. While the citywide goal is a 30% reduction in energy use, each building has its own target. Your energy efficiency goal depends on your building’s type and performance, not a one-size-fits-all requirement.

Question 10

Does my building have to electrify or replace HVAC systems?

Accepted Answer

No. Buildings are not required to electrify or to replace space or water heating systems before they reach the end of their useful life to comply with Energize Denver.

Question 11

How does benchmarking relate to Energize Denver?

Accepted Answer

Benchmarking is the annual process of reporting your building’s overall energy use. That data is used to set your building’s energy efficiency target and, in later years, to track your progress toward compliance.

Question 12

How can I find a vendor to help me comply?

Accepted Answer

Visit the Contractor Directory to view a list of contractors who have completed Energize Denver training. While they aren’t pre-vetted on qualifications, the list is a good first step in finding experienced vendors who understand the program by taking our training.

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