The Denver Energy Code is a section of the Denver Building Code. The Denver Energy Code submittal requirements are outlined in the energy checklists available for download at the links above. Energy checklists are required for most projects.
Working hand in hand with the Denver community, the city has defined and adopted bold climate goals. Adoption of more stringent building codes to achieve higher building performance is integral to attaining these goals.
For more details about Energy Code compliance pathways and resources, choose your path below:
The Denver Energy Code has different applications and details for residential buildings and commercial buildings. So the first step is to know which code your project should be following.
CPD's energy code checklists are designed to support project teams in navigating complexities of the energy code and succeeding in delivering projects that support our community’s expressed priorities.
2025 and 2022 Denver Energy Code Checklists and Submittal Templates
Commercial
Energy Checklist
A commercial energy checklist is required for all commercial and multi-family construction projects 10,000 sf or larger. Download the appropriate energy checklist for your project:
Learn how to fill out and submit the correct energy checklist
Commercial checklist webinar (YouTube)
Required submittal templates for Commercial Performance Compliance Path
Projects using the Performance Path are required to submit both files for the energy modeling report:
Denver Modeling Rules and Procedures for Appendix PT: Performance Target
Residential
Energy Checklist
A residential checklist is required for:
- New one- and two-family dwellings
- New additions to one- and two-family dwellings and IRC or IBC townhomes with an area increase greater than or equal to: 20% of the existing above grade floor area, or 300 S.F., whichever is less
- Changes in Occupancy (see R505)
- New R-3 and R-4 Occupancy buildings 3 stories or less above grade plane
2025 and 2022 Denver Energy Code Residential Checklist(XLSX, 228KB)
For checklist support or to request an alternative file type, email energy.review@denvergov.org.
Optional systems submittal template:
Learn how to fill out and submit the correct energy checklist - updated version coming soon!
Residential checklist webinar (YouTube)
The 2025 Denver Energy Code is substantially similar to the 2022 Denver Energy Code. The base code stays the same using IECC-2021. Denver’s amendments were revised only when deemed necessary and to align with the Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready code. Projects under the 2022 Denver Building and Fire Code can use 2025 Denver Energy Code provisions through the Administrative Modification(PDF, 234KB) process Review summaries of the most impactful amendments below or download the strikethrough version of the 2025 code to see the full set of changes.
Key Amendments - Commercial Projects
Key Amendments - Residential Projects
View strikethrough version of 2025 Energy Code(PDF, 1MB)