Overview
What is Energize Denver?
The Energize Denver ordinance is a pivotal legislative initiative aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability in Denver’s larger buildings, specifically those with a total floor area of 25,000 square feet or more.
Buildings of 25,000 square feet or larger will be required to submit energy benchmarking data. Benchmarking will be required for new construction after 12 months of operation. All retrofits must also adhere to emissions reporting rules.
Benchmarking must be verified by a third party referencing the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager Data Verification Checklist before submission. Benchmarking reports are due each year on June 1, with the first reports due this year for calendar year 2023, though one-year extensions are permitted in some cases. Building owners can check their benchmarking status at energizedenver.org.
Trane is an authorized Energize Denver benchmarking services provider.
Buildings 25,000 sq.ft. or Larger
In general, commercial, municipal, and manufacturing buildings larger than 25,000 sq. ft. will be required to reduce site energy use intensity (EUI) by at least 30% by 2030. They must achieve certain scaling targets between 2024 and 2030 and comply with the 2022 green building ordinance's sustainable cool roof rules. Additionally, buildings 25,000 sq. ft. or larger must submit annual benchmarking data and meet specific energy efficiency requirements based on their building type.
Buildings 5,000 – 24,999 sq.ft.
All commercial, municipal, and manufacturing buildings between 5,000 and 24,999 square feet in size must upgrade 90% of their building’s total lighting load to LED lights. Further, on- or off-site renewable power generation must meet a minimum of 20% of the building’s annual site energy usage.
For new construction, BPS targets will be set within (6) months of receiving the first benchmarking report. Retrofits will require new targets to be set every 3 years.
Discover how Trane’s Energy Service Experts can help.
Timeline
Energize Denver compliance timeline.
More detailed information on deadlines, requirements and exemptions can be found at energizedenver.org. Requirement timeline varies by building sector type. Building compliance will be assessed by the City of Denver in 2024, 2027 & 2030. Fines will be levied in each of these years if buildings are not in compliance. Note also that the State of Colorado will be introducing a new statewide building performance program for all buildings over 50,000 square feet starting in 2026 (details pending).
Energize Denver Compliance
How Trane can help your building reach compliance.
Trane is dedicated to helping building owners comply with the Energize Denver initiative. We offer a range of energy services, including energy assessments/audits, formulating action plans, and implementing those plans. Our team can also act as a liaison between you and the City of Denver.
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Energy Assessments/Audits
We conduct thorough energy audits to identify cost-saving opportunities and areas for improvement.
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Formulate Action Plans
Based on the audit results, we create tailored action plans to enhance your building's energy efficiency.
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Implement Plans
We help you implement these plans using our innovative technologies and extensive experience.
Customer Stories
Discover how Trane has helped our customers improve their energy performance.
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HVAC and controls system upgrades, and energy management strategies result in $338,000 of annual savings and rebates of more than $238,000
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New service delivery technology meets unique business objectives and challenges at international entertainment complexes.
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Keeneland Association’s aging, text-based controls system was reaching the end of its useful life, some replacement parts were not available, and newer technologies offered operational savings and convenience. The Thoroughbred racetrack and auction company sought to replace the outdated system, while adhering to budget constraints. A Trane Tracer R’newal control upgrade service program is helping Keeneland maximize building performance, improve occupant comfort and increase operational productivity. By using existing unit controls and replacing outdated building controllers, Keeneland was able to meet all of its objectives for approximately the same cost they originally planned to spend on a partial upgrade.
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Efficiency upgrades result in a 1,000 KW drop in daily demand, rebates of more than $380,000, and a 96 percent reduction in hot/cold calls.
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With a clear focus on energy efficiency, environmental stewardship and the bottom line, Transitions Optical is working with Trane to enhance eyeglass lens production while saving energy and production costs.
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The journey to decarbonize your building is uniquely yours.
Let Trane® be your trusted guide.