Compliance
Overview
The best way to make compliance approachable is breaking it up into smaller steps. However, it can be helpful to keep the larger picture in mind, so you understand how each step relates to the larger goal of meeting your energy efficiency target.
Performance
Deadlines
To comply with the Energize Denver Building Performance Policy, your building must reach its assigned energy efficiency target by its required deadline(s).
Most Buildings Have Two Performance Deadlines:
1
2
Interim Target Year
When your building needs to show it is on track to meet its final energy efficiency target. For most buildings this is 2028.
Final Target Year
When your building needs to show it has met its required energy efficiency target. For most buildings this is 2032.
Steps to
Demonstrate Compliance
-
Submit an annual benchmarking report to show the city how much energy your building is using.
-
Verify your 2024 or 2025 benchmarking data by June 1, 2026. This requirement applies to all covered buildings and confirms your energy efficiency target is accurate.
-
Receive your confirmed energy efficiency target based on your verified benchmarking data and any Target Adjustments you may have submitted.
-
Improve your building’s energy efficiency through equipment upgrades, building automations, or other means.
-
Meet your interim energy efficiency target and demonstrate compliance by submitting a benchmarking report covering your building’s energy use data for your interim target year.
-
Continue to follow your compliance plan and make progress towards your final energy efficiency target.
-
Meet your final energy efficiency target and demonstrate compliance by submitting a benchmarking report covering your building’s energy use data for your final target year.
-
Confirm compliance by completing third-party data-verification for this benchmarking report.
-
-
Maintain compliance after your final target year.
-
Each year following your final deadline, demonstrate continued compliance by submitting annual benchmarking reports.
-
Understanding the Performance Evaluation Process and Timeline
Buildings must submit a benchmarking report each year by June 1.
The reports submitted for energy use during your interim and final target years are what the city uses to verify whether you are in compliance with your performance requirements.
After the benchmarking window closes, the city begins its evaluation process, which includes:
-
Confirming the benchmarking submission is complete
-
Reviewing the data verification submission (when required)
-
Assessing the building's electricity percentage and applying any applicable incentives
-
Reviewing renewable energy credit and transportation energy exclusion submissions
-
Evaluating whether the building’s energy efficiency target for that year has been met
Once the evaluation is complete, you will be notified of your compliance status by email.
If a benchmarking report is not submitted for a target year, the most recent approved report will be used to evaluate compliance and assess any performance penalties.
Evaluation
Checklist
Check the Get the Details Right Guide (PDF, 369KB) before submitting.
Deadline: June 1
Have your report verified by a qualified third party. The first data verification deadline was June 1, 2026. The next data verification must be completed after your final target year by June 1 (for example, if your final target is due in 2032, your next data verification is due by June 1 of 2033).
Report any eligible renewable energy credits or transportation energy exclusions using the appropriate form.
Deadline: Dec 31
Submit a timeline extension request before the end of the target year.