Boulder Building Performance Ordinance (BPO): What Businesses Need to Know
A guide to Boulder's energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and electrification requirements for commercial and multifamily buildings.
Understanding Boulder’s Building Performance Standards
The City of Boulder’s Building Performance Ordinance (BPO) is a key initiative designed to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in commercial and industrial buildings. The ordinance requires building owners to benchmark energy performance, complete efficiency upgrades, and transition to clean energy solutions.
For businesses operating in Boulder, compliance with BPO is mandatory, but it also presents opportunities to improve efficiency, lower operating costs, and enhance property value. This guide breaks down the ordinance’s requirements, deadlines, and actionable steps for achieving compliance.
Who Must Comply With Boulder’s BPO?
Boulder’s BPO applies to commercial, industrial, and multifamily buildings that meet specific criteria. The ordinance mandates compliance based on building size:
- Buildings 50,000 square feet and larger.
- Buildings between 20,000 and 49,999 square feet.
- City-owned buildings larger than 5,000 square feet.
Smaller buildings may also be subject to specific requirements if they undergo major renovations or change ownership. Understanding where your building falls within these regulations is critical to maintaining compliance.
Key Compliance Requirements
Boulder’s BPO focuses on four primary compliance areas:
1. Energy Benchmarking & Reporting
- Owners must submit annual energy performance data using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.
- Reporting helps the city track energy usage trends and ensures that buildings make continuous progress toward efficiency targets.
2. Energy Efficiency Assessments
- Buildings must undergo energy assessments every 10 years to identify opportunities for improving efficiency.
- Assessments must be conducted by a qualified energy professional.
3. Retro-Commissioning (RCx)
- Buildings must complete retro-commissioning (RCx) studies every 10 years to optimize energy performance.
- Owners must implement cost-effective energy efficiency improvements within two years of the RCx study.
4. One-Time Lighting Upgrade Requirement
- Buildings must complete a one-time lighting upgrade to meet current International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) standards.
- Upgrades typically include LED conversions and smart lighting controls to improve efficiency.
5. Electrification & Emissions Reduction
- Boulder encourages businesses to phase out natural gas and other fossil fuel-based systems in favor of electric alternatives.
- This may involve replacing gas heating, cooking, and water heating systems with high-efficiency electric options.
Compliance Deadlines
Boulder has set staggered compliance deadlines based on building size and specific upgrade requirements.
- Benchmarking reports are due annually.
- Energy assessments and retro-commissioning reports must be completed every 10 years.
- Lighting upgrades must be completed according to the city’s schedule.
Failure to meet these deadlines can result in penalties, making it essential for building owners to plan ahead.
Steps to Achieve Compliance
1. Conduct an Energy Assessment
Start by hiring a qualified energy assessor to evaluate your building’s energy performance. This assessment will highlight areas for improvement and help you develop an efficiency upgrade plan.
2. Implement Energy Efficiency Upgrades
To meet BPO requirements, building owners should:
- Upgrade to energy-efficient HVAC systems.
- Install LED lighting and daylight sensors.
- Optimize building insulation and air sealing.
- Automate heating and cooling schedules with smart controls.
3. Submit Annual Benchmarking Reports
Energy benchmarking is a core requirement of the ordinance. Property owners must submit their annual energy use data to the city through the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.
4. Complete Retro-Commissioning Studies
Retro-commissioning ensures that building systems operate efficiently. This process helps reduce unnecessary energy waste and identifies additional efficiency opportunities.
5. Transition To Renewable Energy & Electrification
Boulder’s long-term goals emphasize moving away from fossil fuels. Building owners should consider:
- Installing on-site solar panels to generate clean electricity.
- Replacing gas heating with electric heat pumps.
- Participating in community solar programs.
Electrification not only meets compliance but also future-proofs buildings against rising energy costs and stricter emissions regulations.
6. Leverage Demand Response Programs
Buildings can participate in demand response programs that help reduce peak electricity demand. These programs offer financial incentives to businesses that shift energy use during high-demand periods.
Financial Incentives and Support for Compliance
Boulder provides several financial assistance programs to help businesses comply with BPO, including:
- Energy Efficiency Rebates: Available for HVAC upgrades, insulation improvements, and lighting retrofits.
- Solar and Electrification Incentives: Funding for installing solar panels and replacing gas-powered appliances with electric alternatives.
- Low-Interest Financing: The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program allows building owners to finance efficiency upgrades through property tax assessments.
Exploring these incentives can help offset compliance costs and maximize energy savings.
Why Compliance Matters For Businesses
Beyond meeting regulatory requirements, complying with Boulder’s BPO provides tangible business benefits:
1. Lower Utility Bills:
Energy-efficient buildings consume less power, reducing monthly expenses.
2. Increased Property Value:
Energy-efficient and compliant buildings attract higher-value tenants and buyers.
3. Regulatory Risk Avoidance:
Avoid costly penalties and future-proof your building against new sustainability mandates.
4. Sustainability Leadership:
Demonstrating environmental responsibility strengthens corporate branding and investor confidence.
What Should Building Owners Do Next?
With compliance deadlines in place, building owners must take immediate steps to meet Boulder’s energy efficiency requirements.
Action Steps:
- Determine if your building falls under BPO regulations.
- Schedule an energy assessment with a qualified professional.
- Develop an action plan for required energy upgrades.
- Submit annual benchmarking reports on time.
- Explore available incentives to offset upgrade costs.
Acting now ensures compliance, energy savings, and improved building performance.
