Energize Denver
Denver’s building performance policy applies to commercial and multifamily buildings 5,000 square feet and larger, with different requirements for small buildings (5,000–24,999 square feet) and large ones (25,000 and up). Detailed targets and timelines vary by building type and are set in the city’s rules, which were revised in August 2026.
Because the rules changed recently, work from the city’s current rules and technical guidance rather than older summaries. Where on-site solar is an accepted path for your building type, we can size an array to it.
Building Performance Colorado
HB21-1286 created a statewide program requiring owners of commercial, multifamily and public buildings of 50,000 square feet or more to benchmark energy use every year and meet performance targets. HB25-1269 later made the 2026 targets a goal rather than a penalty-backed requirement; the 2030 targets remain binding.
Buildings in Denver may be covered by both programs. Figure out which obligations apply before spending money.
Where solar fits
Performance targets are usually measured in energy use intensity or emissions. Depending on how a program counts on-site generation, solar may reduce the number you’re judged on — or it may not count toward a site-energy metric at all. That detail decides whether solar belongs in your compliance plan or is simply a good investment on its own.
Even where solar doesn’t count, it can still cut operating costs, and the federal §48E credit remains available for commercial solar placed in service by December 31, 2027. Storage keeps eligibility through 2033.
What to do next
- 1Confirm your building’s gross square footage and which programs cover it.
- 2Get your current benchmarking score and your target.
- 3Have an energy consultant identify efficiency measures first.
- 4Ask the program how on-site solar counts for your building type, then have us size an array.
FAQ
Questions we hear
Does Energize Denver apply to my 8,000-square-foot building?
Buildings of 5,000–24,999 square feet fall in Denver’s small-building category, which has its own requirements distinct from larger buildings. Check the city’s current rules for what applies to you.
Are the 2026 Building Performance Colorado targets mandatory?
Under HB25-1269, the 2026 targets were changed to a goal with no penalties for missing them; the 2030 targets remain enforceable. Confirm with the Colorado Energy Office for your building.
Can we buy renewable energy credits instead of installing solar?
Some programs allow off-site renewable options in some forms. That’s a program-specific rule; ask the program administrator.
Do you do energy audits?
No — we design and install solar, storage and EV charging. We’re glad to work alongside your energy consultant.