Denver - Sustainable Building Guidelines

September 08, 2004

Summary

The City’s Environmental Protection Division, in cooperation with the Utility Division, has sustainable building guidelines for retrofit, renovation and new construction of municipal buildings, e.g., police/fire stations and recreation centers, for use by architects, engineers and contractors serving the city. These guidelines are available for greater energy-efficiency in the design and construction of private sector buildings. Sustainability in city buildings is also promoted through application of the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system to Denver’s building construction projects. Design work for the new Denver Convention Center and associated Hyatt Hotel underwent LEED analysis for energy savings, for example. Most city buildings are subject to review for energy-savings and other green features. This can often produce long term cost savings, the incentive for public and private sector efforts to establish energy-efficient facilities. Energy Efficient/Earth Friendly Home Building Program: The Denver Metro Area has a voluntary energy-efficient/Earth-friendly home building program, which establishes standards for qualification. The long term comfort level and operating-cost savings these homes offer provides marketing advantages. Information is available at www.BuiltGreen.org.