Blog Updated: June 2026
Passed in 2021, Energize Denver is one of the most ambitious building-performance standards in the United States. It’s become a cornerstone to Denver’s strategy to reduce emissions from existing buildings. And its focus on existing buildings, not just new ones, makes it more consequential than the Green Building Ordinance.
If you’re a building owner though, you might have felt resistance to this legislation. The City of Denver heard your appeals and spent several years revising the law. The revision extended major compliance deadlines, reduced potential penalties, allowed for more flexibility and alternative compliance pathways, capped required energy reductions, provided exemptions and extensions for certain circumstances, and aligned local requirements with state ones.
To hear the latest on Energize Denver and how solar can help you meet the targets, read ahead.
Key Takeaways on Energize Denver
- What is Energize Denver? Energize Denver is a building performance policy that sets energy efficiency requirements for existing commercial buildings within Denver city limits.
- Extended timelines: Compliance deadlines are now extended to 2028 and 2032, with opportunities to apply for compliance holds or extensions beyond 2032.
- Solar meets Energize Denver requirements: Installing solar to offset some (or all) of your energy consumption has a significant impact to both EUI and your bottom line.
- Get started now: The final deadline in 2032 will be here before we know it. From consultation to installation, a commercial solar system takes time, so now is the time to start exploring your solar project.
What is Energize Denver?
Energize Denver is a climate policy that plays a role in reaching Denver’s goal of eliminating emissions by 2040. The program sets energy efficiency requirements for existing commercial buildings within Denver city limits.
Commercial building owners are being asked to decrease their energy use intensity (EUI). EUI is a measure of a building’s energy use per square foot. Energize Denver covers two building sizes: 5,000 to 24,999 square feet and 25,000 square feet and larger. EUI targets are based on the building’s use-type. Owners either need to show they are meeting that target through benchmarking reports or develop and submit a plan for how they will meet their targets over time.
You can check the status of your building’s compliance by using this Benchmarking Map. On the benchmarking map, you’ll also find a lookup tool where you can find more information on performance metrics.
It’s important to note that buildings between 5,000 and 24,999 square feet have a different set of requirements. Owners can choose to lower energy usage through LED lighting options or improve energy sources by investing in onsite or offsite renewable energy to offset 20% or more of the facility’s annual energy consumption.
Energize Denver has extended the timelines for compliance. Compliance deadlines are now extended to 2028 and 2032, with opportunities to apply for compliance holds or extensions beyond 2032. There are also other recent changes including lower penalties, expanded financial support, clearer compliance steps, and more resources & collaboration.
Why Choose Solar for Energize Denver Requirements?
There are multiple ways to reduce your EUI and meet Energize Denver requirements, and installing solar to offset some (or all) of your energy consumption is the best option to significantly impact both EUI and your bottom line. For example, Energize Denver assigned office buildings a target EUI of 48.3, and according to the Benchmarking Map, most office buildings are currently sitting at site EUI’s of 41-80. A typical 30,000 square-foot office roof can accommodate a 200kW solar system, which will produce enough electricity to reduce the building’s EUI by 47. That’s enough to bring many of these properties into compliance.
Given the available tax benefits, utility savings, and incentive income, a commercial solar investment will typically achieves a 7-9 year payback on this 30+ year asset, with an expected 10%+ internal rate of return (IRR). It’s the only method of compliance that provides this financial boost in return.
Additionally, you can enjoy all the other benefits of going solar: increased property value, stabilized energy costs, decreased dependence on fossil fuels, and a positive marketing opportunity.
It is important to note that the obligation to meet Energize Denver targets runs with the building. Whoever owns the building at the time of each compliance deadline is responsible for complying with the requirements. If a building is sold, its compliance status transfers to the new owner. Denver municipal code requires building owners to disclose their building’s compliance status, including all performance targets, to potential buyers.
Note: If you’re a building owner that is leasing to NNN tenants, not to worry! You and your tenants can still reap the financial benefits of solar.
I Understand My Responsibilities, Now What?
For nearly all buildings over 25,000 square feet, the Energize Denver target deadlines are between 2028 and 2032. The final deadline in 2032 will be here before we know it. From consultation to installation, a commercial solar system takes time. We encourage you to get started now, so you can skip any potential fines and start earning a return on your investment.
When you reach out for a consultation, we’ll ask you for some basic information (your property address and the last 12 months of utility bills). From there we’ll be able to put together an indicative proposal so you can see what solar might look like for your building and what your return on investment could be. Our initial indicative proposals are thorough enough to give you a clear idea of what solar could look like for your property. Once you’re ready to proceed, our team will dig in with a complete technical site visit to create a detailed design, financial analysis, and final proposal for your review.
Why Namaste Solar?
Reach out to one of Namaste Solar’s commercial solar experts. We’re 100% employee-owned and a Certified B Corporation. Plus, our team does not work on commission. Instead, they are focused on your goals and providing you with all the context and information you need to make the right decision for your business and your building.
Namaste Solar has designed and installed large-scale projects like the 4.2 MW portfolio with Colorado State University, and we’ve worked with small, local businesses like Jax Home & Ranch to offset 100% of their energy usage. We have worked C-PACE financing for full energy improvement projects, and we’ve worked with triple net leases to create savings for both the owner and the tenants.
We are a full-service solar company offering decades of experience. Our vertically integrated model provides consistency throughout your project, and peace of mind that details won’t be missed in the handoffs. From consultation to design and installation to long-term operations and maintenance support, you’ll be in good hands.
Namaste Solar has been in business as a local Colorado company since 2005. We know the ins and outs of solar in our state, and we want to make your project a success.
To get started with your free commercial solar consultation, click the button below or give us a call at 303-536-8920.
