Mayor Michael B. Hancock announced that Denver has committed to inclusively design and implement building performance standards and complementary policies and programs across the city, driving investment into building improvements and quality jobs that create healthier buildings and lower housing and energy costs. The news comes as state and local governments across the country join in the National Building Performance Standard (BPS) Coalition, a collaboration launched by White House Council on Environmental Quality.
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock
“Denver recently adopted our Energize Denver ordinance, taking a monumental step in the direction of rapidly reducing our greenhouse gas emissions,” Mayor Hancock said. “Cities across the nation must pursue bold yet practical policies and actions in order to advance climate action and deliver long-lasting benefits for residents. We’re well on our way to getting our buildings across the net zero finish line, and we hope to serve as a model here in Denver for our partner cities joining the coalition.”
Buildings are responsible for 49% of Denver’s greenhouse gas emissions. The Energize Denver ordinance will require buildings to increase their use of clean energy sources and reduce overall energy use – dramatically driving down greenhouse gas emissions. These requirements will also generate green jobs and improve air quality, creating climate and economic resilience for residents.
“We are eager for the opportunity to support city and state leaders representing the vanguard of innovative climate policy and joining this National Building Performance Standards Coalition. Members of this groundbreaking coalition will help drive new jobs to make existing buildings across the country more efficient, affordable, healthier and resilient, and will deliver equitable benefits across their jurisdictions,” said Mark Chambers, Senior Director for Building Emissions and Community Resilience at the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
Denver will be able to leverage technical support from federal agencies including the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. For more information about the coalition, visit www.nationalBPSCoalition.org.