How to Reduce Energy Use in Denver Office

Denver, Colorado, is known for its vibrant urban landscape, booming tech scene, and commitment to sustainability. As one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the U.S., the city’s commercial buildings account for nearly 40% of total energy consumption. With rising utility costs, stricter environmental regulations, and growing tenant expectations for green workplaces, reducing energy use in Denver offices is no longer optional—it’s essential. Beyond cost savings and regulatory compliance, energy efficiency enhances employee well-being, boosts property value, and positions businesses as responsible community leaders. This guide provides a comprehensive, actionable roadmap for Denver office managers, facility operators, and business owners to significantly cut energy use through proven strategies tailored to the region’s unique climate, building codes, and utility incentives.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Conduct a Comprehensive Energy Audit

Before implementing any changes, you need a clear understanding of where energy is being used—and wasted—in your office. A professional energy audit is the foundational step in any reduction strategy. In Denver, certified auditors often use tools like blower door tests, infrared thermography, and power meters to detect air leaks, inefficient HVAC systems, and phantom loads. Many utilities, including Xcel Energy, offer free or heavily subsidized audits for commercial properties through their Business Energy Smart program.

During the audit, focus on these key areas:

• Heating and cooling system performance
• Building envelope integrity (walls, windows, roof)
• Lighting systems and controls
• Plug loads from computers, printers, and kitchen appliances
• Water heating and ventilation efficiency

After receiving the audit report, prioritize recommendations by cost, payback period, and energy savings potential. Start with low-cost, high-impact fixes like sealing air leaks and adjusting thermostat settings before investing in major retrofits.

2. Optimize HVAC Systems for Denver’s Climate

Denver’s climate presents unique challenges: cold, dry winters and hot, sunny summers. HVAC systems often run at maximum capacity for extended periods, making them the largest energy consumer in most office buildings. To reduce usage:

• Upgrade to high-efficiency HVAC units with SEER ratings of 16 or higher and HSPF ratings above 9.0.
• Install programmable or smart thermostats that adjust temperatures automatically based on occupancy. Set heating to 68°F (20°C) during work hours and lower to 60°F (15.5°C) after hours. Set cooling to 76°F (24.5°C) during the day and raise to 82°F (28°C) overnight.
• Replace air filters every 1–3 months to maintain airflow and reduce strain on the system.
• Seal and insulate ductwork, especially in unconditioned spaces like attics or crawlspaces, which are common in older Denver buildings.
• Consider a zoned HVAC system to heat or cool only occupied areas instead of the entire building.

Denver’s high elevation (5,280 feet) affects air density and HVAC performance. Ensure your system is properly sized for altitude—undersized units work harder and consume more energy. Consult a local HVAC specialist familiar with high-altitude installations.

3. Upgrade to LED Lighting with Smart Controls

Lighting typically accounts for 20–30% of commercial energy use. Denver’s abundant sunshine makes daylight harvesting a powerful tool. Replace all incandescent and fluorescent bulbs with LED fixtures, which use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer.

Pair LEDs with smart lighting controls:

• Install occupancy sensors in conference rooms, restrooms, and break areas to turn lights off automatically when unoccupied.
• Use daylight sensors near windows to dim or turn off artificial lights when natural light is sufficient.
• Implement scheduling controls to turn off non-essential lighting after business hours.
• Choose fixtures with a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 80+ for better visual comfort and productivity.

Many Denver-area businesses qualify for Xcel Energy’s Lighting Rebate Program, which offers up to $1.50 per LED fixture installed. Combine this with federal tax deductions under IRS Section 179D for energy-efficient commercial building upgrades.

4. Reduce Plug Load Waste

“Phantom loads”—energy consumed by devices in standby mode—are often overlooked. A typical Denver office may have hundreds of devices drawing power 24/7: computers, monitors, coffee makers, phone chargers, and vending machines.

Combat this with:

• Smart power strips that cut power to peripherals when the main device (e.g., computer) is turned off.
• Grouping equipment into zones controlled by a single switch, especially in reception areas and printing stations.
• Enforcing a “power down at close” policy, with reminders or automated scripts that shut down workstations overnight.
• Replacing older appliances with ENERGY STAR-certified models, which use 10–50% less energy than standard versions.

Conduct a plug load survey using a watt-meter to identify the top 5 energy-draining devices. Replace or reconfigure them first.

5. Improve Building Envelope Efficiency

Older Denver office buildings—many constructed in the 1970s and 1980s—often have single-pane windows, inadequate insulation, and poor sealing around doors and windows. This leads to significant heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.

Key improvements include:

• Installing double- or triple-pane low-emissivity (Low-E) windows to reduce heat transfer while maximizing natural light.
• Adding insulation to walls, roofs, and basements. Aim for R-30 to R-60 in the attic and R-13 to R-21 in walls.
• Sealing gaps around windows, doors, electrical outlets, and duct penetrations with caulk or weatherstripping.
• Installing exterior shading devices like overhangs, louvers, or reflective films on south- and west-facing windows to reduce solar heat gain during summer.

Denver’s building code requires certain envelope upgrades for renovations, but proactive improvements can qualify for state and utility incentives. The Colorado Energy Office offers grants for commercial building envelope retrofits through its Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Program.

6. Implement a Green Procurement and Remote Work Policy

Energy use isn’t just about hardware—it’s about behavior and operations. Encourage sustainable choices:

• Purchase office supplies made from recycled materials and with minimal packaging.
• Switch to cloud-based services and virtual meeting platforms to reduce the need for travel and physical infrastructure.
• Offer flexible work arrangements, including remote work options. Even one day per week of remote work can reduce a building’s energy consumption by 5–15%.
• Use energy-efficient printers and encourage double-sided printing and digital documentation.

Denver’s workforce is highly educated and values sustainability. A transparent green policy can improve recruitment, retention, and morale.

7. Monitor Energy Use in Real Time

What gets measured gets managed. Install an energy management system (EMS) or submetering to track usage by floor, department, or equipment. Many modern systems integrate with building automation software and provide real-time dashboards accessible via smartphone or desktop.

Look for systems that:

• Alert you to abnormal spikes in energy use (indicating malfunctioning equipment).
• Compare current usage to historical benchmarks.
• Generate monthly reports for stakeholders.

Denver Water and Xcel Energy offer free energy monitoring tools for commercial customers. Some third-party platforms, like EnergyCAP or Siemens Navigator, offer scalable solutions for multi-building portfolios.

8. Engage Employees in Energy Conservation

Technology alone won’t drive change. Employees are your most powerful asset in reducing energy use. Launch an internal “Green Team” to champion initiatives, host quarterly energy-saving challenges with rewards, and post real-time energy usage dashboards in common areas.

Simple behaviors matter:

• Turning off lights when leaving a room
• Unplugging chargers and devices at the end of the day
• Using stairs instead of elevators
• Reporting malfunctioning equipment promptly

Recognize and celebrate teams or individuals who contribute to energy savings. A culture of conservation multiplies the impact of technical upgrades.

9. Leverage Denver’s Incentives and Rebates

Colorado and Denver offer some of the most generous commercial energy efficiency incentives in the U.S. Don’t leave money on the table.

• Xcel Energy Business Energy Smart Program: Rebates for HVAC upgrades, lighting, building automation, and more. Up to $200,000 per project.
• Colorado Energy Office Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Program: Grants up to $150,000 for energy audits and retrofits.
• Denver Energy Challenge: Free technical assistance and recognition for businesses that reduce energy use by 10% or more.
• Federal Tax Deductions (Section 179D): Up to $1.80 per square foot for qualifying energy-efficient upgrades.
• Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Financing: Denver offers PACE programs allowing property owners to finance energy upgrades through property tax assessments with no upfront cost.

Work with a local energy consultant or your utility’s business services team to identify all applicable programs. Deadlines and funding limits apply—apply early.

10. Set and Track Energy Reduction Goals

Define clear, measurable targets. For example:

• Reduce total energy use by 20% within 2 years.
• Lower electricity consumption per square foot by 15% year-over-year.
• Achieve ENERGY STAR certification for your building.

Use the EPA’s Portfolio Manager tool (free and federally recognized) to benchmark your building’s performance against similar properties nationwide. This tool also helps track progress toward carbon reduction goals.

Report results annually to stakeholders. Transparency builds trust and accountability.

Best Practices

1. Prioritize Preventive Maintenance

Regular maintenance is the most cost-effective way to sustain energy savings. Schedule quarterly inspections of HVAC systems, annual duct cleaning, and biannual calibration of sensors and controls. A well-maintained system can operate 15–25% more efficiently than a neglected one.

2. Design for Natural Light and Ventilation

Denver receives over 300 days of sunshine annually. Maximize daylight by keeping window treatments open during daylight hours, using light-colored interior finishes to reflect light, and avoiding furniture placement that blocks windows. Where possible, design open floor plans to allow natural air circulation and reduce reliance on mechanical ventilation.

3. Choose Energy-Efficient Furniture and Equipment

When replacing desks, chairs, or electronics, select models with low standby power consumption and Energy Star ratings. Avoid bulky, outdated equipment that generates excess heat, increasing cooling demands.

4. Integrate Renewable Energy

Consider installing rooftop solar panels. Denver’s solar potential is among the highest in the nation, with an average of 5.5 peak sun hours per day. Many businesses qualify for the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which covers 30% of installation costs through 2032. Pair solar with battery storage to reduce grid dependence during peak pricing hours.

5. Collaborate with Building Owners and Tenants

In multi-tenant buildings, energy use is often fragmented. Establish a shared energy reduction plan with landlords and other tenants. Split costs and savings fairly. Use submetering to allocate usage accurately and incentivize responsible behavior.

6. Stay Updated on Building Codes and Regulations

Denver’s Energy Code (based on IECC 2021) requires increasingly stringent efficiency standards for new construction and major renovations. Staying ahead of compliance avoids costly retrofits later. Subscribe to updates from the City and County of Denver’s Building and Code Enforcement Department.

7. Educate and Empower Facility Staff

Janitorial and maintenance staff are on the front lines of energy conservation. Provide training on proper equipment use, thermostat protocols, and energy-saving routines. Empower them to suggest improvements—they often notice inefficiencies others miss.

8. Use Data to Drive Decisions, Not Assumptions

Don’t guess where energy is being wasted. Use real data from audits, meters, and software to guide investments. For example, a small server room might be using more energy than the entire ground floor. Target high-impact areas first.

9. Plan for Seasonal Adjustments

Denver’s weather swings dramatically between seasons. Adjust HVAC setpoints and lighting schedules seasonally. In spring and fall, take advantage of “free cooling” by opening windows and using fans instead of AC.

10. Communicate Progress and Celebrate Wins

Share monthly energy savings reports with employees and clients. Highlight achievements: “Our office saved 12,000 kWh last quarter—enough to power 1,000 LED bulbs for a year!” Public recognition reinforces positive behavior and builds momentum.

Tools and Resources

Energy Monitoring Platforms

• EnergyCAP – Comprehensive energy and sustainability data management software.
• Siemens Navigator – Real-time building performance analytics.
• Lucid BuildingOS – Cloud-based platform for submetering and benchmarking.

Utility Programs

• Xcel Energy Business Energy Smart – Rebates, audits, and technical support: xcelenergy.com/business/energy-savings
• Denver Energy Challenge – Free consultation and recognition: denverenergychallenge.org
• Colorado Energy Office – Grants and incentives: colorado.gov/pacific/coenergyoffice

Government and Certification Resources

• ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager – Free benchmarking tool: energystar.gov/portfolio-manager
• U.S. Green Building Council (LEED) – Certification for sustainable buildings: usgbc.org/leed
• Denver Building and Code Enforcement – Local energy code requirements: denvergov.org/building

Product and Technology Vendors

• Philips Lighting – Commercial LED solutions
• Honeywell – Smart thermostats and building automation
• Ecobee – Commercial-grade smart thermostats with occupancy sensing
• Enphase Energy – Solar and battery storage systems

Training and Workshops

• Denver Green Building Council – Monthly seminars on commercial efficiency: denvergreenbuilding.org
• Colorado State University Extension – Free webinars on energy management for businesses
• U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Initiative – Free tools and case studies: betterbuildings.energy.gov

Real Examples

Example 1: The Denver Tech Center Office Renovation

A 50,000-square-foot office complex in the Denver Tech Center had been operating with outdated HVAC systems and fluorescent lighting since 1995. Annual energy costs exceeded $220,000.

The owner partnered with Xcel Energy to conduct a free audit. Key upgrades included:

• Replacement of 800 fluorescent fixtures with LED lighting ($120,000 cost, $60,000 rebate)
• Installation of two high-efficiency variable refrigerant flow (VRF) HVAC systems ($250,000 cost, $75,000 rebate)
• Smart thermostats and occupancy sensors on all floors
• Weatherstripping and insulation upgrades in the attic and perimeter walls

Within 18 months, energy use dropped by 42%. Annual savings: $92,000. Payback period: under 3 years. The building achieved ENERGY STAR certification and increased its lease rate by 12% due to improved tenant satisfaction.

Example 2: A Startup’s Remote-First Strategy

A 25-person software company in LoDo, Denver, moved to a hybrid work model in 2022, reducing office occupancy to 40% of capacity. They downsized their leased space from 8,000 to 3,200 square feet, eliminated 70% of their plug loads, and installed a single smart HVAC unit.

Energy use dropped from 180,000 kWh/year to 65,000 kWh/year—a 64% reduction. They redirected the $28,000 in annual savings into employee wellness stipends, improving retention and morale. The company now markets its sustainability efforts as a key part of its employer brand.

Example 3: The Historic Lofts Building

A 1920s brick office building in downtown Denver struggled with drafts and high heating bills. The owner faced a dilemma: preserve historic architecture while improving efficiency.

Solutions included:

• Installing interior storm windows (preserving original glass)
• Adding rigid foam insulation behind baseboards and crown molding
• Upgrading to a high-efficiency natural gas boiler with a modern control system
• Using smart blinds that automatically adjust to sunlight angles

Energy use fell by 38%, and the building won the City of Denver’s “Preservation Through Efficiency” award. Tenants praised the improved comfort and consistent temperatures.

Example 4: A Medical Office Group’s Zero-Waste Initiative

A network of three medical offices in the Denver metro area implemented a comprehensive energy reduction plan:

• Switched to LED lighting with daylight harvesting
• Installed energy recovery ventilators to maintain air quality while reducing heating/cooling load
• Used motion-sensor faucets and low-flow toilets to reduce water heating demand
• Trained staff to power down equipment between patient visits

Over two years, they reduced energy use by 31% and water use by 40%. Their efforts earned them a Green Office Certification from the Colorado Green Business Network.

FAQs

What is the biggest energy drain in Denver offices?

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are typically the largest energy consumers, especially in older buildings with poor insulation. In winter, inefficient heating can account for over 50% of total energy use.

How much can I save by switching to LED lighting?

Most Denver offices save 60–75% on lighting energy costs by switching to LED. With rebates, payback is often under 2 years. For a 10,000-square-foot office, annual savings can exceed $5,000.

Are there tax credits for energy-efficient upgrades in Denver?

Yes. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) covers 30% of solar panel installation costs through 2032. Section 179D allows deductions of up to $1.80 per square foot for qualifying energy-efficient building upgrades. Colorado also offers state-level credits for certain retrofits.

Can I get free help to reduce energy use in my Denver office?

Absolutely. Xcel Energy and the Denver Energy Challenge offer free energy audits, technical consultations, and planning support at no cost to business owners.

How does Denver’s altitude affect energy use?

At 5,280 feet, air is thinner, which reduces the efficiency of combustion-based systems and alters HVAC performance. Equipment must be specifically rated for high altitude. Always consult a contractor experienced with Denver’s elevation.

What’s the easiest energy-saving step I can take today?

Turn off lights and unplug devices when not in use. Install a programmable thermostat and set it to lower the heat by 5–10 degrees overnight. These two actions alone can reduce energy use by 10–15%.

How do I know if my building is energy efficient?

Use the EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager to benchmark your building’s performance against similar properties. A score of 75 or higher qualifies you for ENERGY STAR certification.

Should I install solar panels on my Denver office?

Yes. Denver has excellent solar potential, with over 300 sunny days per year. Solar panels can offset 50–100% of your electricity use, depending on roof size and orientation. With federal tax credits and net metering, the return on investment is strong—often under 6 years.

How can I get my employees to participate in energy-saving efforts?

Make it visible, rewarding, and easy. Post real-time energy usage dashboards, host monthly challenges with small prizes, and recognize top contributors in newsletters. Empower staff to report inefficiencies without fear of reprimand.

What’s the difference between an energy audit and a green certification?

An energy audit identifies where energy is wasted and recommends fixes. Green certifications like LEED or ENERGY STAR are formal recognition programs that validate your building’s performance against national standards. An audit is a starting point; certification is a goal.

Conclusion

Reducing energy use in a Denver office is not just about cutting costs—it’s about future-proofing your business, enhancing employee satisfaction, and contributing to a cleaner, more resilient city. The strategies outlined in this guide—from simple behavioral changes to major infrastructure upgrades—are proven, scalable, and supported by robust local incentives.

Denver’s unique climate, abundant sunshine, and progressive energy policies create an ideal environment for businesses to lead in sustainability. Whether you manage a small startup or a large corporate campus, every action counts. Start with an energy audit. Upgrade your lighting. Engage your team. Leverage rebates. Monitor your progress.

The most successful Denver offices don’t just reduce energy—they transform their operations into models of efficiency, innovation, and responsibility. By taking these steps today, you’re not only saving money; you’re building a legacy of environmental stewardship that will resonate with tenants, clients, and the community for years to come.