Energize Denver Ordinance
What is energize Denver Benchmarking Ordinance ?
The Energize Denver Ordinance mandates that properties of sizable structures must assess and disclose their buildings’ energy consumption to the City of Denver. Subsequently, the City will make this information available on the internet, enabling owners to assess their building’s performance relative to others.
What buildings are required per Energize Denver ordinance?
- buildings in the City of Denver and Denver County over 25,000 square feet
- A separate track now applies to buildings between 5,000–24,999 square feet: these must certify installation of LED lighting, solar panels, or purchase enough off-site solar to cover 20% of annual energy use — phased in over three years starting 2025, based on building size.
- Manufacturing, agricultural, and industrial (MAI) buildings benchmark on a December 1 deadline
Additionally, buildings will have to meet interim performance target in 2027. These interim performance targets will help you reach your final performance target in 2030.
Your building may qualify for an exemption from reporting if:
Not occupied; didn’t have Certificate of Occupancy (CO) or temp CO for all 12 months of the calendar year for which benchmarking is required
Not occupied, due to renovation, for all 12 months of the benchmarking calendar year
Demolition permit issued for the entire building; demo work commenced on or before 6/1 benchmarking deadline
Building is presently experiencing financial distress: (i) Tax lien sale or public auction due to property tax arrangements (ii) Controlled by a court-appointed receiver; or (iii) Been acquired by a deed in lieu of foreclosure
Avg physical occupancy < 60% during calendar year benchmarking is required
Used primarily (energy ≥ 50%) for industrial or agricultural processes
What is the penalty for non-compliance?
Penalties now break out by violation type: up to $0.70 per kBtu per year that a building’s performance falls short of its interim target; a separate $2,000 annual penalty for failing to correct benchmarking errors or for submitting inaccurate data; plus additional target and maintenance penalties.
What is the benchmarking compliance process?
The Energize Denver Ordinance mandates the submission of annual reports on energy consumption from every building. Building owners are required to provide their energy usage data to the Energy Star Portfolio Manager, a reporting tool facilitating a comparative analysis of their building’s energy efficiency against similar buildings.
Owners are obligated to verify their data through a third party:
- In the years in which your performance is evaluated (2024, 2027, and 2030, unless a we have approved a timeline adjustment)
- If you submit a target adjustment application
To complete the reporting process, it is essential to submit the third-party data verification along with Benchmarking Report.
How do I check if my building is in compliance with benchmarking?
Look-up your Denver Building ID or address in the Performance Requirements Lookup Tool to see if your building(s) still needs to comply.
What is the deadline for Energize Denver Energy Benchmarking Compliance?
Commercial and residential buildings greater than 25,000 square feet must submit their report by June 1st. MAI buildings (manufacturing, agricultural, and industrial) have a deadline extension to December 1.
What utilities are required for benchmarking reporting?
- Electricity
- Natural Gas
- District Energy
- Any other purchased fuel
What is the purpose for Denver Energy benchmarking ordinance?
The establishment of the Energize Denver Ordinance is geared toward enhancing the market value of energy efficiency. Its objective is to achieve annual energy usage savings in the range of 2-3%.
Interested in benchmarking help?
If you are interested to learn more how Energy Fave can help with Energy benchmarking for your building or if you have more questions about the whole reporting process, feel free to email us: Info@energyfave.com