Energize Denver Task Force

an image of the many people in the energize denver task force receiving an award.

Task Force Recommended Buildings Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions nearly 80% by 2040

The Energize Denver Task Force presented, published, and finalized recommendations to the City and County of Denver in September 2021 that would reduce the 49% of Denver’s greenhouse gas emissions that come from buildings towards zero by 2040. Stakeholders across multiple industries came to consensus on an equitable path to healthier, safer, net zero energy commercial and multifamily buildings. 

Energize Denver Task Force Recommendations(PDF, 1MB)

Community Briefing Presentation(PDF, 2MB)(PDF, 1MB)

Workforce Workgroup

As part of fulfilling the Energize Denver Task Force charter, the Workforce workgroup developed, for Task Force review, a draft workforce training plan to accompany the Task Force building performance policy recommendations. The goal of the draft training plan was to ensure we have a workforce trained for the transition to net zero energy buildings and equitable access into these jobs. The workgroup also suggested labor standards for the Task Force to tie to City incentives, as part of the Task Force recommendations. 

View the Workforce Workgroup workplan here(PDF, 179KB).

Equity Workgroup

As part of fulfilling the Energize Denver Task Force charge, the Equity workgroup evaluated initial policy options presented by the City and consultants for Task Force review and decision making. The workgroup raised issues and questions, flagged concerns, and helped the City frame and narrow options, in order to help focus Task Force deliberations. The workgroup coordinated with the Climate Solution and Workforce workgroups.

Climate Solutions Workgroup

As part of fulfilling the Energize Denver Task Force charge, the Climate Solutions workgroup evaluated initial policy options presented by the City and consultants for Task Force review and decision making. The workgroup did a ‘first pass’ at pros and cons, other considerations, and relevant trade-offs between the different policy options related to highly efficient, renewable-powered, electrified buildings to achieve the Task Force NZE mandate. The workgroup raised issues and questions, flagged concerns, and helped the City frame and narrow options, in order to help focus Task Force deliberations. The workgroup coordinated with the Equity and Workforce workgroups.

View the Climate Solutions Workgroup workplan here(PDF, 140KB).

View the Policy Design Tool here(XLSX, 6MB). If you have any questions about how to use the tool, please contact Katrina.Managan@denvergov.org.

Members

The 2021 Energize Denver Task Force included stakeholders from our community from across the real estate sector, energy sectors, labor, workforce development, affordable housing, small business, resident advocates, solar, energy efficiency, and environmental advocates.

The Energize Denver Task Force membership:

  • Aaron Martinez, Urban Land Conservancy
  • Amie Mayhew, Colorado Hotel & Lodging Association
  • Angela Fletcher, Denver Housing Authority
  • Ariana Gonzalez, Natural Resources Defense Council
  • Celeste Cizik, Group 14 Engineering
  • Christine Brinker, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP)
  • Eddie Bustamante, LiUNA! Local 720
  • Frank Arellano, LBA Realty
  • Jennie Gonzales , IBEW 68
  • Jennifer Gremmert, Energy Outreach Colorado
  • Jenny Wilford, Colorado Sierra Club
  • Jolon Clark, Denver City Council District 7
  • Jon Buerge, Urban Villages
  • Jonathan Cappelli, Neighborhood Development Collaborative
  • Kathie A Barstnar, NAIOP Colorado
  • Lori Pace, Denver Metro Association of Realtors
  • Mike Kruger, Colorado Solar and Storage Association (COSSA)
  • Monique Dyers, Ensight Energy Consulting
  • Peter Muccio, Apartment Association of Metro Denver
  • Sam Knaizer, bp, bpx energy
  • Scott Prestidge, Colorado Oil and Gas Association
  • Sergio Cordova, Pipefitters Local Union No. 208
  • Stephen Shepard, Denver Metro BOMA
  • Steve Morgan, Bolder Energy Engineers, Rocky Mountain Association of Energy Engineer
  • Tyler Smith, Xcel Energy

Background

In 2016 the original “Energize Denver Task Force” recommended Benchmarking and a Building Performance Policy. The City decided to start with only a Benchmarking policy. Benchmarking has seen over 90% compliance every year for four years, and yet Denver is not on track to reach its emission reduction goals (see our Building Performance Dashboard).  

The 2020 Climate Action Task Force recommended bringing Denver’s 17,000 existing commercial and multifamily buildings to Net Zero Energy by 2040 through a building performance policy that includes energy efficiency requirements, electrification requirements starting around 2025 (as space or water heating systems are replaced), with all buildings required to be electric by 2040, and all powered by 100% renewable electricity. The Task Force also recommended a sales tax that has now been approved by voters to help our community reach its climate goals equitably, with up to $40 million in funding each year for the Climate Protection Fund.

Community Engagement

The Energize Denver Task Force was tasked with helping the City design a building performance policy for existing buildings that improves health and equity, creates jobs, and drives climate solutions in existing buildings that achieve net zero energy by 2040. The Task Force was a diverse group representing diverse sectors and stakeholders in Denver. They met from January to August 2021 to develop these draft recommendations. CASR and the Task Force conducted public engagement in July 2021 to get input on the Energize Denver Task Force's Draft Recommendations(PDF, 1MB). This included: