When should we start preparing for the 2027 and 2030 targets?

The most cost-effective compliance strategies involve multiple building systems and long capital planning cycles. Starting EUI modeling and capital planning now gives your team runway to phase upgrades across multiple budget years and preserve vendor flexibility as target years approach.

What about buildings under 25,000 sq ft?

Buildings between 5,000 and 24,999 sq ft follow a prescriptive path rather than EUI targets. Requirements include either upgrading 90% of the lighting load to LED or meeting 20% of annual site energy through renewable generation. Ease helps building owners evaluate the two options and execute the chosen path.

Do we need to comply with both Energize Denver and Colorado's state program?

Energize Denver received deemed compliance status in January 2026, which means meeting the city's EUI targets satisfies Colorado's state Building Performance Standard (HB21-1286) as well. Denver-based building owners handle one program instead of two. Ease structures compliance work around the city framework to keep it that way.

Energize Denver Compliance and Building Performance Services

Energize Denver applies to commercial and multifamily buildings 5,000 sq ft and larger, with annual benchmarking already required and Energy Use Intensity targets due in 2027 and 2030. Ease helps building owners handle the reporting today and the retrofit work ahead.

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How Energize Denver Works

Unlike emissions-focused programs, Energize Denver measures Energy Use Intensity (EUI): the amount of energy a building uses per square foot per year. Buildings 25,000 sq ft and larger hit specific EUI targets on a scaled timeline, while smaller buildings follow a prescriptive path of energy upgrades instead.

The essentials:

Administered by Denver's Climate Action, Sustainability & Resiliency (CASR) office
Annual benchmarking through ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager®
Third-party data verification required at initial benchmarking and again in the target year
Interim EUI targets due 2027, final targets due 2030 (2028 and 2032 with an approved extension)
Deemed compliance covers both Energize Denver and Colorado's state building performance policy (HB21-1286)
Late benchmarking fines and per-kBtu penalties for missed performance targets

How Ease Supports Energize Denver Compliance

Four compliance stages sit between your building today and its final EUI target. Ease runs the work across all of them.

Portfolio Manager Setup and Annual Submissions

Every covered building needs a Portfolio Manager profile and an annual benchmarking submission to Denver by September 1. Ease builds the profile, runs data quality checks each cycle, and files the submission on your behalf.

Target-Year
Data Verification

In your building's target year, a CASR-approved third party must confirm you've hit your EUI target. Ease selects the verifier, assembles the documentation package, and manages the review from kickoff to sign-off.

Charting the Path
to 2027 and 2030

We build a modeled EUI trajectory for your building against Denver's interim and final targets, then identify the specific upgrades needed to hit each milestone. The output is a capital plan you can confidently budget against.

Efficiency Retrofits
and Vendor Coordination

The upgrades that most often close EUI gaps in Denver buildings include LED lighting conversions, HVAC controls, envelope tightening, and on-site solar. Ease can run each project through our full project implementation and vendor management process.