What is Energize Denver?
Energize Denver is the City and County of Denver's building energy program. It combines annual benchmarking with building performance requirements that set energy use intensity targets by building type, with interim and final targets and financial penalties calculated on the energy use above a building's target. It applies to larger commercial and multifamily buildings.
What it is
Energize Denver began as a benchmarking ordinance and was expanded into a building performance standard. Covered buildings must report energy use each year and reduce their energy use intensity to a target set for their property type.
Targets step down through interim milestones toward a final target. If a building misses its target, penalties are calculated per kBtu of energy above the target, so the size of the gap translates directly into cost.
The program also includes requirements and alternative paths for smaller buildings, and options such as adjustments for buildings with special circumstances. The details are set by the city's rules.
Who it applies to
Owners of covered commercial and multifamily buildings in Denver. Size thresholds, compliance paths and dates are set by the ordinance and its rules, so check the city's current guidance for your building.
How it is measured
Performance is measured through annual benchmarking data, usually submitted with ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.
- Annual whole building energy use
- Site EUI compared with the property type target
- Energy above target in kBtu
- Records of improvements made
How Aqueduct helps
Aqueduct shows the kBtu gap per building in money before the penalty does, and verifies each reduction at the meter.
- aQ EnergySmart EUI tracked against the Denver target throughout the year
- The gap translated into money using your rate configuration
- Faults and waste behind the gap routed as tickets into your CMMS
- Verified reductions and aQ Assurance exports for the benchmarking submission