Energize Denver Compliance Assistance for Large Buildings

Overview

Equity Priority Buildings 25,000 sq. ft. and larger have access to services to help meet their Energize Denver Building Performance Standards. We designed these services are designed to provide support that will help building owners:  

  • Achieve their energy efficiency goals 
  • Create more comfortable and reliable spaces for communities
  • Boost their bottom line
  • Meet Energize Denver's compliance requirements 
  • Build a more equitable and sustainable city for all 

All confirmed Equity Priority Buildings (EPBs) will receive assistance to address their unique needs. This process starts with an energy assessment and step-by-step guidance through compliance. This includes: 

  • Help filling out Benchmarking forms 
  • Onsite energy audits to understand energy efficiency opportunities
  • Help with implementing recommendations from the energy audit
  • Engaging with tenants to inform them of building updates
  • Help with securing rebates, tax incentives, and financing 

Compliance assistance services include: 

  • Benchmarking Assistance 
    • Uploading and verifying energy data in ESPM 
    • Submitting the annual benchmarking report
    • Identifying and submitting Target Adjustments
  • Onsite ASHRAE Level 2 Audit:
    • Comprehensive Feasibility Analysis. A detailed evaluation of energy-saving opportunities and a compliance plan.
    • Project Implementation Support. Get help in executing the recommended projects from your audit.
    • Electrification Feasibility Reports (EFRs). Receive in-depth reports on the feasibility of electrification within your building.
  • Navigation Services:
    • Audit Results Interpretation. Understand the actionable insights from your energy audit.
    • Tenant Engagement. Work with tenants on energy efficiency improvements, including data sharing and equipment upgrades.
    • Financial Coaching. Help identifying and applying for financial resources, including rebates and incentives.
    • Renewables Coaching. Help applying for and managing resources for renewable energy projects.
    • Guidance for Contractors. Help in selecting contractors, requesting, and understanding bids.
  • Rebate Program: We are still finalizing the rebate design. Once we have finalized the program, we will post them here and announce them in our newsletter

If you have any questions, email us at EnergizeDenver@denvergov.org or call us at (844)-536-4528.  

Community Connections: Designing our Services

Between April and November 2022, we held a series of community meetings. We talked to: 

  • Building owners
  • Building managers
  • Building tenants
  • Community leaders
  • Critical external stakeholders

Our goals were to:

  • Build trust with the community
  • Gather insights and feedback from people who will use the services
  • Identify critical resources that the community is missing

Together with the groups we met with, we were able to co-create a plan for services and incentives. The feedback ensured that the program we designed would solve remove real barriers from building owners.

The Equity Priority Buildings Equity Index

To better identify potential Equity Priority Buildings, CASR developed the Equity Index. It is a robust tool that ranks each census tract in Denver based on key indicators.

We created the tool in collaboration with community members and Denver's Office of Social Equity and Innovation. It has proven invaluable in prioritizing areas of greatest need. It helps us target outreach efforts and guides the development of equitable policies.

The Equity Index helps ensure we direct resources where they are most needed. This fosters a more just and resilient Denver.