Building IQ
Why Building IQ?
To reach Aspen’s climate goal of zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, we must address emissions from buildings, which account for 57% of the community’s greenhouse gas emissions.
In response, on April 12, 2022, Aspen City Council passed Building IQ through Ordinance No. 05. to address emissions from existing buildings. Building IQ is a significant opportunity to tackle GHG emissions from the built environment.
Building IQ addresses emissions from existing buildings through a phased, two-part program: benchmarking and building performance standards (BPS). Learn about each phase below.
What is benchmarking?
- The process of building owners tracking their building’s energy and water use over time.
- Compares their building’s energy and water use to similar buildings, allowing owners and occupants to understand their building’s performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
Do I need to benchmark?
- In 2023, owners of covered commercial properties bigger than or equal to15,000 square feet are required to benchmark by June 1, 2023. List of properties required the benchmark.
- The following building sizes and types are covered by the Building IQ ordinance:
How do I benchmark?
- Option 1:Contact our partner, the Community Office of Resource Efficiency (CORE) to walk you through the process.
- Option 2: Benchmark on your own by inputting your property information and annual utility bill data into the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager tool and submitting your report with the City of Aspen.
SUBMIT YOUR BENCHMARKING REPORT HERE
What if I need more time or think I am exempt?
Benchmarking Reports
What is Building Performance Standards (BPS)?
- BPS is a policy that requires buildings to meet a performance standard, which may require making energy and water efficiency improvements and reduce emissions from buildings over time. For example, owners could improve a building’s heating, cooling, and ventilation systems to use less energy, produce fewer GHG emissions, provide healthier air, increase comfort, lower energy bills, and help Aspen reach our climate goals.
- The specific covered buildings, timelines, standards, and targets for Aspen’s BPS are currently under development.
How can I give feedback or get involved in Aspen's BPS development?
What is the BPS Stakeholder Committee?
- The Building IQ ordinance directed City staff to develop BPS through a stakeholder engagement process that solicited feedback from a broad range of industries, property owners, building users, climate organizations, environmental justice groups, and the community at large. This group’s work is ongoing. Find the Committee’s charter, membership, agendas, presentations, and meeting summaries linked below.
- Meeting 1: January 24, 2023
- Meeting 2: February 28, 2023
- Meeting 3: March 21, 2023
- Meeting 4: April 25, 2023