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* Energy Compliance deadlines subject to change
* Energy Compliance deadlines subject to change
Local authorities are pushing commercial businesses to do more with less…
And Energize Denver is at the forefront of new energy regulations. The Energize Denver Task Force was created to help the City move toward sustainability, and they’ve already codified a number of unprecedented policies. The Task Force aims to reduce fossil fuel emissions and increase clean energy production, starting with Denver’s commercial buildings.
Energize Denver is a step in the right direction for sustainability, but if you’ve been left wondering how new energy policies will affect you, you’re not alone. The future of energy use is fast-moving and unpredictable—and falling behind may mean spending significantly more on energy. So, keep reading! We’ll explain everything you need to know about Energize Denver, and how you can stay ahead of the curve.
The Energize Denver Task Force was created by the Denver City Council to develop recommendations on how to create a more resilient energy system in Denver.
Composed of stakeholders from the local energy sector, labor leaders, local business owners, environmental advocates, and more, The Task Force is focused on identifying ways to reduce the city’s greenhouse gas emissions.
More specifically, the Task Force aims to create “…a building performance policy for existing buildings that improves health and equity, creates jobs, and drives climate solutions in existing buildings to achieve net zero energy by 2040.”
Their overarching recommendation is significant—the goal is to cut 80% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, and while this might seem like a distant objective, many of the Task Force’s recommendations for reaching it have already been codified. In fact, if you operate a building 25,000 sq. ft. or larger, you’ll be the first to feel the effects of these new regulations.
The road to net zero will look different for everyone (emissions targets will change depending on the size of your building, energy use, etc.), but the expected outcome is the same. Energize Denver considers a “net zero” building one that is…
While net-zero will likely become policy for businesses and homes, commercial buildings will be expected to lead by example.
If that sounds unattainable, don’t worry just yet—Energize Denver’s plan includes incentives and support to help make net zero a more reasonable goal. Plus, budget-neutral financing options such as energy performance contracts can eliminate the upfront cost of an energy system overhaul. With that said, let’s take a closer look at Energize Denver’s recommended regulations for energy use in Denver.
This includes increasing the use of solar energy, wind energy, and other forms of clean energy to reduce the city’s reliance on fossil fuels. The Task Force also recommends developing a “smart” electric grid, which will allow for better energy use management.
This program will focus on helping residents and businesses in Denver become more energy efficient by providing education and resources on energy-saving practices.
This system will be used to fund the implementation of the Task Force’s recommendations and ensure that the city can continue to invest in sustainable energy sources in the long term. The Task Force also recommends establishing a city-wide energy data management system to help track energy use and monitor progress.
By 2027, high-efficiency space and water systems (primarily heat pumps) will be incentivized and required in new construction. Incentives will also be provided for installing heat pumps rather than traditional gas heating systems.
Commercial and multi-family structures within this category will not adhere to an EUI score, nor will they need to submit annual energy reports. Instead, you’ll have two options for reaching energy compliance:
The interim compliance deadlines for buildings in this category are as follows:
15,001 – 24,999 sqft
December 31, 2025
10,001 – 15,000 sqft
December 31, 2026
5,000 – 10,000 sqft
December 31, 2027
For buildings 25,000 sq. ft. or larger, things get a bit more complex. If you’re operating a structure of this size, you should’ve already received an individual EUI target to be met by 2030 (interim deadlines are set for 2024 and 2027).
If you’re not sure how to reach your EUI target, feel free to contact us for assistance. In the meantime, we’ll give you a few key points about energy compliance:
So, what makes Energize Denver so important?
Well, the objectives Energize Denver set in 2021 are no longer recommendations—they are regulations that will need to be met, and getting started sooner to achieve these requirements will benefit you greatly.
According to Energize Denver:
“ The City should push building owners and managers to make actual improvements in 2022 and 2023 because the carbon savings from energy efficiency in these early years will be the very greatest.”
In other words, it’s time to start working toward cleaner, greener energy use, and starting now will make the greatest impact.
If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! As Colorado’s only locally owned and operated energy services company (ESCO), we pride ourselves on helping local business and building owners achieve energy efficiency and compliance.
We understand that one-size-fits-all solutions don’t work when it comes to energy services. Your building may require minor adjustments to certain systems or a complete overhaul to achieve optimal efficiency.
In any case, we’re here to provide a streamlined and cost-efficient path to energy efficiency.
With an average of 15+ years of experience, our team possesses the expertise and practical knowledge to design, construct, and install the energy systems that will help your building excel.
The results are a win-win situation—modernizing your energy systems will likely result in lower energy/maintenance costs, improved comfort, and a building that is energy compliant for years to come.
There’s no better time to get started. So, let’s take the first step…
Click here to contact us about energy system upgrades, or visit our homepage to learn more about what we do.
For more information on Energize Denver and current energy compliance regulations, click here.
If energy savings don’t materialize after energy system upgrades are performed, we pay the difference.
Comprehensive improvements to HVAC, water, and electrical systems for greener, more comfortable facilities.
Most facilities are one of one—we design, install, and upgrade energy systems based on a plan made specifically for you.
