Building Performance Colorado (BPC) is a similar state-wide initiative aimed at helping all Colorado building owners track energy use in large buildings, identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency, and reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution. Efficient energy use in buildings leads to lower utility costs for building owners and tenants, while also reducing harmful air pollution that causes climate change and a variety of health issues.
What is Building Performance Colorado (BPC)?
Building Performance Colorado (BPC) is a state-mandated program designed to help building owners in Colorado track and manage energy use in large buildings. The program aims to enhance energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the state. By improving energy efficiency, building owners can lower utility costs and contribute to reducing air pollution, which benefits both the environment and public health.
Why Was BPC Established?
The primary goal of Building Performance Colorado is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency. This leads to:
- Lower Utility Costs: Efficient energy use reduces the energy bills for building owners and tenants
- Reduced Air Pollution: Lowering emissions helps to combat climate change and reduces health issues associated with air pollution
Key Goals of Building Performance Colorado
The BPC program, established under HB21-1286, mandates that owners of commercial and multifamily buildings 50,000 square feet or larger must:
- Benchmark Energy Use Annually: Report building energy use via Energy Star Portfolio Manager
- Achieve Emission Reduction Targets: Reduce sector-wide emissions by 7% by 2026 and 20% by 2030, based on a 2021 energy use baseline [Source: US Engineering]
Who Needs to Comply?
The BPC program applies to commercial and multifamily buildings in Colorado that are 50,000 square feet or larger. This includes a wide range of property types, such as:
- Mixed-use buildings
- Manufacturing, agricultural, and industrial buildings
- Indoor marijuana/cannabis cultivation facilities
- Data centers
When Did BPC Take Effect?
Building Performance Colorado took effect in October 2023. Building owners are required to report their building energy use by June 1, 2024, and annually thereafter. The initial benchmarks and reduction targets are set for 2026 and 2030.
How to Comply with BPC
Reporting Requirements
Building owners must report energy use via Energy Star Portfolio Manager and pay an annual fee of $100. Reports should be submitted to the official portal here.
By complying with the BPC requirements, building owners can not only lower their utility costs but also contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment. For more details on compliance pathways and support, visit the Technical Guide.
For more information on the updated requirements, visit the Colorado Energy Office’s resource page here.
Compliance Pathways
There are four main compliance pathways to meet the Building Performance Colorado requirements:
- Energy Efficiency Pathway
- Default Pathway: For buildings not meeting the targets specified in Appendix A.
- Target: Implement energy efficiency upgrades to meet the building’s Energy Use Intensity (EUI) target.
- Timeline: Meet the 2026 EUI target and maintain it through 2029, then meet the 2030 target and maintain it through 2050.
- Energy Efficiency – Standard Percent Reduction Pathway
- Flat Reduction Option: For buildings unable to meet the specific EUI targets.
- Target: Reduce site EUI by 13% by 2026 and 29% by 2030, based on the 2021 baseline.
- Timeline: Achieve the reductions by 2026 and 2030 and maintain through 2050.
- Greenhouse Gas Reduction Pathway
- Metric: Greenhouse Gas Intensity (GHGI).
- Target: Meet GHGI targets specified in Appendix A.
- Timeline: Meet the 2026-2029 GHGI target and maintain it, then achieve the 2030-2050 target and maintain it through 2050.
- Greenhouse Gas – Standard Percent Reduction Pathway
- Flat Reduction Option: For buildings unable to meet specific EUI or GHGI targets.
- Target: Reduce GHGI by 13% by 2026 and 29% by 2030, based on the 2021 baseline.
- Timeline: Achieve the reductions by 2026 and 2030 and maintain through 2050.
Practical Steps to Meet BPC Targets
Building owners can take several actions to comply with Building Performance Colorado:
- Upgrade Lighting: Use efficient lighting technologies with daylight harvesting and occupancy controls.
- Enhance Building Envelope: Improve insulation and windows to reduce energy loss.
- Upgrade HVAC Systems: Install energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
- Install Energy Management Systems (EMS): Automate control of HVAC and lighting systems to maximize efficiency.
- Use Smart Power Strips: Automatically control equipment based on occupancy.
Are Rebates and Financing Options Available?
Yes, various utility programs offer rebates for energy efficiency upgrades. Additionally, financing options like leasing and CPACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) are available to help cover the costs of improvements.
Maximize Your Earning Potential with Mac Electric
By complying with the BPC requirements, building owners can not only lower their utility costs but also contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment. For more details on compliance pathways and support, visit the Technical Guide.
Ensure your building meets BPC standards and takes advantage of the available resources and support to achieve energy efficiency and sustainability goals. Mac Electric & Lighting offers turnkey commercial LED lighting retrofit solutions that comply with ordinances and are fully funded by various energy rebate programs. Also, to further optimize your building’s performance, consider our Building Management System (BMS) installation services.
Our Value Engineering team can help you maximize your earning potential by identifying cost-saving opportunities and implementing energy-efficient solutions tailored to your commercial property. Reach out to our Mac Electric Value Engineering team for how to maximize your earning potential for your commercial property today!