Colorado’s Progress in Sustainable Building Performance - Mantis Innovation

This is the first in a series of building performance standard snapshots for jurisdictions across the U.S. Stay tuned for more updates.

Colorado is making significant strides in sustainable building performance, with two key pieces of legislation leading the way: the Colorado Energy Performance for Buildings Statute and Energize Denver.

Colorado Energy Performance for Buildings Statute

The Colorado Energy Performance for Buildings Statute applies to buildings 50,000 square feet and larger. The first targets must be met in the 2026 data year and reported in 2027, then maintained through 2029.

Building owners have four options for complying with the 2026 target:

1. Energy efficiency: meet an Energy Use Intensity (EUI) target based on building type.
2. Energy efficiency standard percent reduction: meet a flat reduction of 13% by 2026 and 29% by 2029 (2021 baseline).
3. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction: meet a GHG intensity target based on the building type.
4. GHG standard percent reduction: meet a flat reduction of 13% by 2026 and 29% by 2029 (2021 baseline).

Penalties for non-compliance are steep. The first violation incurs a $2,000 fine and each subsequent month of non-compliance results in a $5,000 fine.

Energize Denver

Energize Denver, on the other hand, applies to buildings 25,000 square feet and larger. Interim targets must be met in the 2025 and 2027 data years and reported in 2026 and 2028, respectively. Final targets must be met in 2030 and maintained indefinitely.

The city offers a newsletter signup for the public to stay informed.

Compliance requires building owners to meet an EUI target based on the building type. Alternative pathways include:

1. Manufacturing, industrial, and agricultural buildings can comply via an alternative compliance path.
2. Some buildings will meet a 30% reduction instead of an EUI target.
3. Some buildings will comply via an electrification credit pathway.

Penalties for non-compliance are assessed at $0.30 per kBtu not achieved, and penalties are cumulative at each interim target.

These two pieces of legislation demonstrate Colorado’s commitment to sustainable building practices and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As we move towards a more sustainable future, it’s clear that Colorado is leading the way in setting ambitious targets and holding building owners accountable for their energy usage.

Mantis Innovation is at the forefront of helping organizations understand and navigate this rapidly evolving regulatory environment and is adept at driving compliance efforts for building owners and operators.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you become and remain compliant, avoid penalties, and create value for stakeholders through the process.

Stay tuned for more updates on building performance standards across the U.S. as we continue to track these important developments.