Energize Denver is a building performance policy adopted by the City and County of Denver in November 2021 with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% and improving the energy performance of buildings that are 25,000 square feet or larger by 2030.
After push back from business owners and property managers, Denver has revised the initial ordinance with proposed changes that extend compliance deadlines, reduce penalties, and offer more financial support.
- Extended Compliance Deadlines – The proposed changes push deadlines for interim compliance from 2025 to 2028. The final compliance deadline has shifted from 2030 to 2032.
- Reduced Penalties – The proposed changes cut non-compliance penalties in half, place a 42% cap on the total amount of energy efficiency reductions buildings must make, and offers extensions for businesses that are experiencing special circumstances such as high vacancy rates.
- Expanded Financial Support – New rebates are proposed to make energy audits more affordable along with expanded energy management training opportunities.
While the changes are not what most developers and property owners hoped for, Denver officials are optimistic that these changes will make compliance with this policy more realistic and manageable.
The proposed changes to Energize Denver are posted for final comment and a virtual public hearing on the changes is set for 9:00 am on April 1.
