Aspen Building Performance Standard: What Businesses Need to Know

Aspen’s Commitment To Sustainable Buildings

Aspen is taking an aggressive approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving building energy performance. The city’s Building Performance Standard (BPS) also known as "Building IQ" sets clear benchmarks for commercial and multifamily buildings, requiring them to meet specific energy efficiency and emissions reduction targets by 2030, 2040, and 2050.

Businesses must comply with these regulations to avoid penalties and align with Aspen’s long-term sustainability goals. The BPS is designed to make buildings more efficient, promote electrification, reduce carbon emissions, and transition properties toward renewable energy sources.

If you own or manage a commercial or multifamily building in Aspen, now is the time to evaluate your energy use and prepare for compliance.

What Is Aspen’s Building Performance Standard (BPS)?

Building Performance Standards (BPS) are regulations that require buildings to meet specific levels of energy efficiency and emissions reduction. Aspen’s BPS is part of its Sustainability Action Plan, which aims to reduce emissions by 63.4% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Unlike voluntary programs, BPS regulations are mandatory and include enforcement mechanisms such as reporting requirements, compliance deadlines, and financial penalties for non-compliance.

Key Elements of Aspen’s BPS

• Energy efficiency targets: Buildings must meet energy use intensity (EUI) limits.
• GHG emissions reductions: Compliance requires a phased approach to carbon reduction.
• Electrification requirements: Transitioning away from fossil fuel-based systems.
• Renewable energy adoption: Encouraging on-site generation and clean energy procurement.
• Compliance reporting: Regular benchmarking and disclosure of building performance data.

Aspen’s Building IQ Ordinance already requires energy benchmarking, but the BPS goes further by mandating specific efficiency improvements and emissions reductions over time.

Who Must Comply With Aspen’s BPS?

Aspen’s BPS applies to a wide range of commercial and multifamily buildings. Owners, facility managers, and businesses operating in the following categories must ensure compliance:

• Office buildings.
• Retail stores.
• Hotels and lodging facilities.
• Large residential properties.
• Industrial and institutional buildings.

Buildings must submit annual energy performance data and implement necessary upgrades to meet evolving efficiency benchmarks.

How Businesses Can Comply With Aspen’s BPS

1. Benchmark & Track Energy Performance

The first step in compliance is benchmarking your building’s energy use. Aspen’s regulations require businesses to track key energy performance indicators, including:

• Total energy consumption.
• Energy use per square foot (EUI).
• Greenhouse gas emissions.
• Peak demand and load management.

Regular energy monitoring helps businesses identify inefficiencies and establish a plan for meeting BPS targets.

2. Reduce Energy Consumption With Efficiency Upgrades

Improving energy efficiency is essential for compliance. Buildings must adopt energy-saving measures such as:

• Upgrading HVAC systems to high-efficiency models.
• Installing LED lighting and smart lighting controls.
• Improving insulation and window glazing to reduce heat loss.
• Implementing automated building controls for optimized energy use.

Many of these upgrades reduce operating costs while helping businesses meet regulatory targets.

3. Transition To Electrification

Aspen’s BPS encourages moving away from fossil fuels by electrifying building systems. Businesses can meet this requirement by:

• Converting gas heating to electric heat pumps.
• Installing electric water heating systems.
• Replacing gas-powered equipment with electric alternatives.

Electrification improves efficiency and aligns with Aspen’s goal of a fully renewable energy-powered grid by 2050.

4. Adopt Renewable Energy Sources

To further reduce emissions, Aspen’s BPS supports on-site and off-site renewable energy adoption. Businesses can meet sustainability goals by:

• Installing solar panels to generate clean electricity.
• Purchasing renewable energy credits (RECs).
• Participating in community solar or green power programs.

These solutions reduce dependency on traditional power sources and lower overall emissions.

5. Optimize Energy Demand & Load Management

To comply with BPS regulations while minimizing operational costs, buildings should implement:

• Demand response strategies to shift energy use during peak hours.
• Smart automation controls to optimize energy loads.
• Predictive analytics to forecast and adjust energy consumption.

Load management ensures buildings operate at maximum efficiency while reducing stress on the electrical grid.

6. Report Performance & Meet Deadlines

BPS compliance requires annual reporting on:

• Energy efficiency progress.
• Emissions reduction achievements.
• Renewable energy integration.

Accurate reporting helps businesses track their compliance status and avoid penalties.

Why Compliance Benefits Businesses

Lower Operating Costs

Energy-efficient buildings have lower utility bills and reduced maintenance expenses. Investing in efficiency upgrades provides long-term financial savings.

Avoid Regulatory Penalties

Non-compliance with Aspen’s BPS can result in fines and enforcement actions. Proactively managing energy performance ensures regulatory compliance and financial security.

Stronger Sustainability & ESG Positioning

Meeting BPS targets enhances a company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) profile. Businesses that prioritize sustainability are more attractive to:

• Investors.
• Tenants and customers.
• Business partners.

Aspen’s BPS provides a clear roadmap for achieving long-term sustainability while improving operational efficiency.

Challenges Businesses May Face & How To Overcome Them

Upfront Costs of Efficiency Upgrades

Energy efficiency improvements require an initial investment, but incentives, rebates, and long-term cost savings make them financially viable.

Managing Compliance Data and Reporting

Tracking energy performance manually can be complex. Automated energy monitoring solutions simplify compliance reporting.

Transitioning Away From Fossil Fuels

Electrification requires planning and investment. Phasing out gas-powered systems gradually can make the transition smoother.

Preparing For Aspen’s BPS Compliance

Aspen’s Building Performance Standard is a major step toward a low-carbon future. Businesses that take early action will:

• Reduce operating costs.
• Stay ahead of compliance deadlines.
• Improve sustainability performance.

Understanding the regulations, key deadlines, and available resources is essential for ensuring compliance and maximizing energy efficiency.

Aspen is setting a new standard for sustainable buildings, and businesses that adapt now will benefit from lower energy costs and improved operational resilience.