Posted on: August 30, 2023
By: Chelsea Clark
Denver is initiating a new performance driven energy code called Energize Denver starting this October 2023. Energize Denver will require existing buildings, over 25,000 SF, to meet incremental Site Energy Use Intensity (EUI) benchmarks – 2024, 2027, 2030 – then maintain the 2030 EUI.
These benchmarks use 2019 Benchmarking data as well as Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey’s (CBECS) national building performance data as a baseline that gets incrementally reduced to meet a total of 30% reduction by 2030. If an existing building does not meet their benchmark EUI, the building owner will be penalized $0.30/kBtu over the target EUI.
VMWP’s current construction projects will be completed in the next few years and will be called “existing buildings” by the time the 2027 benchmark report will be required to submit to the city.
VMWP Denver has an advantage. Because VMWP has an office in California, where energy codes tend to be more stringent, VMWP is better positioned to provide cost-effective reasonable solutions quickly to clients facing this challenge. Our team knows what it takes to design high-performing buildings and can confidently implement those strategies.
When looking at the future code requirements, why not design and build to meet the 2030 EUI requirement now and save yourself the hassle and money of upgrading later on?
Source: Energize Denver Technical Guidance
Source: Energize Denver Technical Guidance
What?
In 2024, all existing buildings over 25,000 sf will need to report the first benchmark leading to the full 30% reduction benchmark by 2030.
Why?
New energy code, Energize Denver
When?
October 2023
How?
Ask us anything. We are here to help.
SAP Feature:
As signatories of the AIA 2030 Challenge, VMWP has committed to make all new buildings and renovations carbon-neutral by the year 2030 to mitigate the catastrophic effects of climate change caused by the building sector. As part of our Sustainability Action Plan (SAP), we vow to share our knowledge of sustainability practices with our design community.