Energy Assessments
Overview
Every ten years, affected building owners must perform energy assessments that meet or exceed the requirements below per the Standard for Commercial Building Energy Audits as published by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) in 2018 (Standard 211), and as updated periodically.
Building Size | Energy Assessment Required Scope |
Buildings < 50,000 SF | ASHRAE Level I assessment (Also offered by Xcel Energy, will comply) |
Buildings ≥ 50,000 SF | ASHRAE Level II assessment (Not currently offered by a local utility, Xcel Energy audits do not comply) |
Note: For manufacturing buildings, an electrical utility’s process efficiency assessments and studies can meet this requirement, if the scope is approved by the City Manager.
- Building owners must use a Qualified Service Provider to complete a Level I or Level II energy assessment for compliance purposes.
- Review the Energy Assessment Checklist
to prepare for compliance
- Level II Energy Assessment Compliance Steps
- A quick reference of steps to comply with the Level II energy assessment requirement due June 1, 2019.
- Submit your energy assessment report to the city through the online Submission Form .
Report Templates
Report templates are available that include current ASHRAE requirements and City Manager Rule requirements to ensure compliance with the ordinance. The use of these templates is not required, however they can be a reference to ensure all requirements are included in the report.
Level I Energy Assessment Report Template*
Level II Energy Assessment Report Template
*Note: If completing the Level I Energy Assessment through Xcel Energy's Onsite Energy Audit Program, that report will suffice for compliance.
Cost Saving Opportunities
Level I Energy Assessments
Xcel Energy offers an Onsite Energy Audit* for a small fee. These audits will be accepted for compliance with the Level I requirement of the ordinance as long as the audit covers both electricity and natural gas equipment.
Level II Energy Assessments
Buildings 50,000 SF and larger must provide the capital to complete a Level II assessment. Because these are not offered by a local utility, to help offset these costs, the city is offering rebates for buildings required to complete a Level II energy assessment.
*Verify current program status at https://www.xcelenergy.com/programs_and_rebates/business_programs_and_rebates