Program · State of Colorado
Building Performance Colorado
The state program sets benchmarking requirements and building performance standards for most commercial buildings 50,000 sq ft and larger. It supports the statewide goals of cutting commercial building emissions 7 percent by 2026 and 20 percent by 2030 from 2021 levels.
- Covers
- Most commercial and multifamily buildings 50,000 sq ft and larger, statewide
- Benchmarking due
- November 1 each year; data is shared with the Colorado Energy Office and the state pulls it into BEAM
- Fees due Nov 1
- $100 program fee plus $400 Building Decarbonization Enterprise fee
- Performance targets
- 2030 targets, demonstrated in the 2031 report
Quick facts
Building Performance Colorado requires covered buildings to benchmark every year and to meet performance targets by 2030. The state would rather buildings meet the goals than pay penalties, so there are several pathways and relief options, most of which require a Level 2 energy assessment. Buildings covered by a local ordinance such as Energize Denver are deemed compliant with the state performance standard if they meet the local performance requirements, but they still file state benchmarking and pay the state fees. Contact us and we will provide a tailored summary for your building and the right pathway.
Deadlines
- Annual benchmarking: November 1 (reporting period July 1 to November 1)
- Progress survey: November 1
- $100 benchmarking fee and $400 Building Decarbonization Enterprise fee: November 1
- 2026 interim target: on the books, but owners may track progress instead and it is not enforced
- Elect a 2019 baseline: November 1, 2027
- Change compliance pathway without documentation: November 1, 2028
- Individualized target, target adjustment, or timeline adjustment: December 31, 2029
- 2030 performance standard: demonstrated in the 2031 report
Not sure which of these apply to you? Look up your building on Colorado Benchmark to see its status and next deadline.
Covered buildings
- Commercial and multifamily buildings and campuses 50,000 sq ft and larger
- Public buildings benchmark but pay no fees or penalties
- Exempt: buildings that are majority manufacturing or industrial, unconditioned storage, parking, hangars, one to three unit residential, and some agricultural buildings
Compliance pathways
- Site Energy Use Intensity (EUI) targets by property type
- Greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) targets by property type
- Standard 29 percent reduction from the 2021 baseline (2019 baseline allowed by election)
Alternative compliance options
- Target adjustments and individualized targets, supported by a Level 2 energy assessment
- 2019 baseline year election
- Renewable energy credit under the GHGI pathway
- Timeline adjustments
- Exemptions
Penalties
- Up to $577 for a first benchmarking violation
- Up to $2,300 for each subsequent benchmarking violation
- Performance standard: up to $2,300 per 30 days for a first violation and $5,800 per 30 days for subsequent violations, inflation adjusted, applied to the 2030 standard
Source: C.R.S. 25-7-142 as amended by HB25-1269, and AQCC Regulation 28 (5 CCR 1001-32).
Tools
Received a notice from CDPHE?
Benchmarking enforcement is active. Send us the address and we will tell you what was missed and how to fix it before the next violation.