Fort Collins Building Performance Standards: A Compliance Guide for Property Owners
How commercial and multifamily buildings in Fort Collins can meet energy efficiency and emissions reduction goals.
Understanding Fort Collins' Building Performance Standards
The City of Fort Collins is advancing its Our Climate Future Plan by implementing Building Performance Standards (BPS) to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from buildings. These standards require large commercial and multifamily properties to meet specific performance targets and transition to more sustainable energy sources.
Fort Collins' BPS aligns with the city’s broader climate goals, including achieving 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. For businesses and property owners, compliance is not just about meeting regulations—it also offers opportunities for cost savings, energy efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
Who Must Comply With Fort Collins' BPS?
The policy applies to:
- Commercial and multifamily buildings 5,000 square feet and larger.
- Municipal buildings and city-owned properties.
These buildings must track energy use, report emissions, and take action to reduce their carbon footprint over time. Smaller buildings are currently exempt from mandatory performance standards but are encouraged to participate voluntarily.
Key Compliance Requirements for Fort Collins' BPS
1. Energy Efficiency Performance Targets
Buildings must meet energy efficiency thresholds based on Energy Use Intensity (EUI), which measures energy consumption per square foot. The targets vary by building type and must be achieved by specific deadlines to demonstrate progress.
2. Benchmarking & Annual Reporting
Owners must track and report energy and water usage annually using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. This helps the city monitor progress and ensures buildings are moving toward compliance.
3. Electrification Requirements
The ordinance encourages and, in some cases, requires buildings to replace natural gas systems with electric alternatives, such as:
- Heat pumps for space and water heating.
- Electric cooking and appliances.
- Energy storage systems to support grid reliability.
4. Renewable Energy Adoption
Buildings must transition to 100% renewable electricity by 2030. Property owners can comply by:
- Installing on-site solar panels.
- Purchasing renewable energy through Fort Collins Utilities’ Green Energy Program.
- Buying Renewable Energy Credits (RECs).
5. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction
Buildings must meet carbon reduction goals by switching to cleaner energy sources and optimizing efficiency. The city offers alternative compliance pathways for buildings facing technical or financial challenges.
Compliance Deadlines & Reporting Schedule
Fort Collins has phased compliance deadlines, with interim targets leading up to full implementation by 2050. Key deadlines include:
- 2025: First energy benchmarking report due.
- 2030: 100% renewable electricity required for all buildings.
- 2040: Significant carbon emissions reduction targets in place.
- 2050: Full carbon neutrality for buildings.
Steps To Achieve Compliance
1. Conduct An Energy Audit
Start by assessing your building’s current energy performance. Energy audits help identify inefficiencies and cost-saving opportunities.
2. Upgrade Building Systems For Energy Efficiency
To meet performance targets, property owners should consider:
- Upgrading HVAC systems to high-efficiency heat pumps.
- Installing LED lighting and motion sensors.
- Enhancing insulation and window efficiency.
- Optimizing water heating and plumbing systems.
3. Implement Renewable Energy Solutions
To comply with Fort Collins' renewable energy goals, buildings can:
- Install on-site solar panels or battery storage.
- Enroll in utility renewable energy programs.
- Invest in community solar projects.
4. Transition Away From Fossil Fuels
Electrification is a key component of Fort Collins' BPS. Owners should replace outdated natural gas systems with high-efficiency electric alternatives when upgrading equipment.
5. Submit Benchmarking Reports On Time
Use ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager to track and report your building’s energy and water usage. The city will review submissions and provide feedback on progress.
Financial Incentives and Support Programs
Fort Collins offers financial assistance and technical support to help property owners comply with BPS. Available resources include:
- Utility rebates for energy efficiency improvements.
- PACE financing for renewable energy and electrification projects.
- Federal and state tax credits for solar installations and energy upgrades.
These programs reduce the upfront costs of compliance and encourage long-term energy savings.
Why Compliance Matters For Building Owners
Complying with Fort Collins’ Building Performance Standards provides multiple benefits beyond avoiding penalties:
- Lower Utility Bills: Energy-efficient buildings use less power, reducing costs.
- Increased Property Value: Energy-efficient properties attract more tenants and buyers.
- Regulatory Compliance: Avoid fines and enforcement actions by meeting deadlines.
- Sustainability Leadership: Contributing to the city’s carbon neutrality goals enhances corporate responsibility.
Next Steps For Building Owners
If your building is covered under Fort Collins’ BPS, take these immediate steps to ensure compliance:
- Confirm your building’s compliance requirements.
- Collect and benchmark energy and water data using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.
- Schedule an energy audit to identify efficiency opportunities.
- Develop a long-term electrification and renewable energy strategy.
- Submit required benchmarking reports and track progress.
- Explore available financial incentives to offset upgrade costs.
By acting now, you can stay ahead of compliance deadlines, reduce costs, and contribute to a more sustainable Fort Collins.
