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.

Phase 1: Benchmarking
Phase 2: Building Performance Standards (BPS)

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.

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