Service
Energize Denver small building compliance
Buildings of 5,000 to 24,999 sq ft under the Energize Denver ordinance most often comply by certifying their lighting is LED. We assess the building, obtain bids if needed, and file the documents, including timeline extension applications when circumstances call for one.
What if I am already LED?
Most commercial buildings have already upgraded their lighting for energy savings, lower maintenance, and better light quality. The city accepts any one of three lighting certifications: at least 90 percent of the building’s total lighting load from LEDs, at least 97 percent of fixtures LED, or all lighting meeting the 2019 Denver Building and Fire Code for lighting power density. Even if you already qualify, you still have to submit the application and the supporting audit on time, and that is a tedious process we have been through many times. If LED certification is not achievable, there are other options below.
Deadlines
| Building size (sq ft) | Compliance deadline |
|---|---|
| 20,000 to 24,999 | December 31, 2026 |
| 15,000 to 19,999 | December 31, 2027 |
| 10,000 to 14,999 | December 31, 2028 |
| 5,000 to 9,999 | December 31, 2029 |
Renewable energy option
If at least 20 percent of your building’s annual site energy comes from on-site or off-site renewable sources, you submit the renewable energy compliance form instead. Xcel Energy’s Renewable*Connect program qualifies but is often unavailable, so plan ahead if this is your pathway.
Residential condo option
Because updating every unit in a condo building is impractical, this alternative lets you certify the common spaces instead: 100 percent LED lighting, occupancy sensors on all common-space lighting, and 100 percent renewable power.
15 percent energy reduction option
If none of the above is viable, we put together a 15 percent energy reduction plan: an ASHRAE Level 1 assessment, site energy usage calculation, retrofit plan, and contractor bids.
Timeline extension
If circumstances delay compliance, you can apply for a timeline extension. Accepted reasons include a planned major renovation, Landmark Preservation review, change of ownership or tenant, qualifying financial distress, interruptions to production, interconnection delays, vacancy, and Equity Priority status.
Penalties
Taking no action costs up to $1.60 per sq ft. Partial LED compliance is penalized at $1.60 per sq ft of the portion not in compliance, and partial renewable compliance at $0.33 per kBtu not achieved. Failing to correct errors, withholding information, or non-disclosure on sale carries its own penalty, and unpaid citations can become a lien on the property. The city offers a penalty reinvestment option that redirects most of a penalty into the building’s own compliance work if you apply quickly.
Is your small building due in 2026?
Send us the address and square footage and we will tell you the deadline, the cheapest pathway, and what we would file.