Adjustments to Energize Denver - Denver Building Performance Standard

Denver’s policy, called Energize Denver, is overseen by the City and County of Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency (CASR) and enables them to set energy use intensity (EUI) targets. Energize Denver has required benchmarking since 2016 and now requires energy performance targets (EUI targets) to be met beginning with the 2024 interim target. In October 2024, CASR announced changes to their program, based on feedback from the Real Estate industry. Below is a summary of the changes which affect the Multifamily Industry:  

Deadlines for compliance have changed

Benchmarking 

Buildings 25,000 square feet and above are required to benchmark using Energy Star Portfolio Manager (ESPM) annually by December 31.2025. (This is extended from the original target of June 30, 2024.) 

There are additional administrative adjustments to the Technical Guidelines for the Program:

Section 2 – Benchmarking & Data Verification 

• Added more guidance on limitations with Xcel Energy data and aggregated meters 

• Added guidance on benchmarking emergency generators 

• Added guidance on benchmarking EV charging stations 

• Updated third-party data verification guidance released on the website August 2023

Section 3 – Target Adjustments 

• Added more guidance on special considerations: 

• Renovation or new tenant that changes the building type 

• Historical energy data for aggregated meters and a building’s baseline 

• Xcel Energy’s District Cooling Loop target adjustment 

• Added “order of operations” for calculating target adjustments – Appendix B 

• Added EV charging station target adjustment if energy use is NOT excluded from benchmarking– Appendix B

Section 3 – Minimum Documentation Requirements 

• Added Audit Template Tool spreadsheet upload template 

• More guidance on minimum requirements for retrofit plans and how to fill out retrofit plan template 

• Removed requirement for electrification feasibility report as part of timeline adjustment application 

• Added more options for O&M program document submission

Section 3 – Timeline Adjustment 

• Added additional reasons accepted for timeline adjustments 

• For each reason, added more suggestions for documentation and what the retrofit plan must include

Additional Adjustments based on Owner feedback to the Program:

• No Building has to reduce energy more than 42%.  (Previously based on the set targets, some building would have had to reduce consumption by nearly 70%)

• (NEW) Adding a target adjustment based on embodied carbon savings from the reuse of building, such as converting an office building to Multifamily)

• Expanded Renewable Location Boundaries to anywhere in Colorado to mirror State of Colorado’s BPS.

• (NEW) Electrification: Owners choose HVAC replacement timelines as many systems run longer than ASHRAE estimates..  Building owners may target energy efficiency projects first and maximize the lifespan of current equipment.

• Free Access to Basic Energy management portal, Touchstone IQ to allow building owners to better understand their building’s energy usage and give access to a virtual ASHREA Level 1 energy assessment, project planning and resource library.

Changes in Funding for Upgrades?

The Energize Denver program provides resources for building owners, including help desks, case studies, webinars, funding, and more. Denver Climate Action and other partner organizations support incentives, rebates, and other funding to help you implement building upgrades.  Denver has expensed their energy performance coach and support, added $20 million in new rebates for energy audits and efficiency improvements.   

Denver’s Energize Denver BPS policy aims to reduce carbon emissions, lower energy bills, and increase resident comfort. Staying in compliance with this policy for both benchmarking and performance is essential for avoiding unnecessary monetary fines that could impact the overall NOI of the property.

GreenT Climate Software provides a streamlined solution to help you stay current on compliance requirements and manage risk. For more information, please contact us.