Energize Denver Building Performance Policy
Denver is working to improve energy efficiency in the buildings where we live, work, and gather. Energize Denver is the city’s building performance policy designed to lower energy costs, reduce pollution, and strengthen Denver’s economy. The city works side-by-side with building owners and managers to make energy efficiency upgrades achievable.
- Nearly half of Denver’s pollution comes from commercial and multifamily buildings.
- The Energize Denver Ordinance was passed in 2021 to address this challenge.
- The policy focuses on energy efficiency and flexible paths to compliance.
Which Buildings Are Covered?
Energize Denver applies to commercial and multifamily buildings in Denver that are 5,000 square feet and larger, with different requirements for the following building sizes:
- Small buildings: 5,000–24,999 square feet
- Large buildings: 25,000 square feet and larger
What Energize Denver Is and Is Not
Energize Denver is:
- An energy efficiency requirement
- Designed to lower operating costs, reduce pollution, and improve building performance
- Built with flexibility in timelines and compliance options for buildings in unique situations
Energize Denver is not:
- A requirement to electrify heating or cooling systems
- A mandate to replace HVAC equipment before the end of its useful life
- A one-size-fits-all energy reduction requirement
Support for Building Owners
Improving a building’s performance takes time, planning, and funding. Every building is different, and the city’s goal is to make reducing energy use manageable, achievable, and tailored to a building’s needs and situation.
The Energize Denver Navigation Center provides:
- Clear guidance and tools to help you make a plan for compliance
- Applications for flexible timelines and compliance options
- Information about how to find rebates, incentives, and financing
- Opportunities to attend navigation sessions or get compliance assistance
Pre-Compliance Decision Review
A building owner can request a review of a decision that the city has made on an application or submission (such as a denied alternate compliance option, denied submission paperwork, or an incorrectly calculated target adjustment).
Eligibility
The original application or submission must have met the minimum requirements to be eligible for further review. For example, if a target adjustment application was denied because the owner did not submit a data verification checklist with the application.
Scope of Review
The scope of the request may address factual and/or procedural issues.
Application
The application must include:
- A narrative description of the Pre-compliance Decision
- The reason(s) the petitioner believes there was an error in the original review determination
- A statement of the desired outcome
- Any exhibits (including any drawings, floor plans, or pictures) supporting petitioner's position
Deadline
The request for review must be submitted in writing within thirty (30) calendar days from the date the initial city decision notice was issued. Failure to file within this timeframe constitutes a waiver of the Pre-compliance Decision review process, as well as any appeal. Because this is a new process in the rules adopted August 2026, if an owner has a decision dated before August 27, 2026, they may file a request for review of the pre-compliance decision through December 31, 2026.