The Denver Energy Code is a section of the Denver Building Code. 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.
Use the link above to determine if your project follows the commercial or residential provisions of the Denver Energy Code.
Denver Energy Code submittal requirements are outlined in the energy checklists available for download at the links below. Energy checklists are required for most projects.
For more details about Energy Code compliance pathways and resources, choose your building type below:
For support, email energy.review@denvergov.org.
The Denver Energy Code has unique definitions for commercial buildings and residential buildings and different sections for each type. The first step is to know which part of the energy code applies to your project. The Denver Energy Code definitions are illustrated below:
- Residential buildings are detached one- and two- family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) and Group R-3 and R-4 buildings three stories or less in height above grade plane.
- Commercial buildings are all buildings that are not included in the definition of “Residential building.”
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.
Key Amendments - Commercial Projects
Key Amendments - Residential Projects