Building Energy Benchmarking Program

A building on the left and right side with a sidewalk in between

Benchmarking is now a city requirement for commercial, multi-family and public buildings 10,000+ square feet.

Lakewood’s Building Energy Benchmarking Program requires owners of commercial, multifamily and public buildings 10,000+ square feet to track and annually report their energy use to the city. The first deadline is Dec. 31, 2026 to report 2025 data and subsequently will be June 1 annually for the previous year’s data. Guidance on how to start benchmarking can be found below, and we have a dedicated Help Desk with 1-1 support to assist you along your benchmarking journey. 

Benchmarking Policy and Program Rules and Regulations

City Council adopted the Building Energy Benchmarking ordinance (O-2026-8) in February 2026.

The Rules and Regulations, found here(PDF, 315KB), translate the ordinance into actionable standards and guidance for building owners.

Report Here: Building Energy Benchmarking

Find reporting resources and trainings, your Lakewood Building ID, and the building reporting portal.

What is Benchmarking?

Benchmarking is measuring and reporting electricity and natural gas use of a single building over a period of time. This action allows the building's energy performance to be compared to other buildings of similar types and can help inform owners of ways to save energy and reduce costs. 

Do I need to benchmark my building?

Property Types: Multifamily, Commercial and Public
Size Requirements: 10,000+ square feet
Boundaries: Within City of Lakewood

Buildings covered under the State's Building Performance Colorado policy do not need to report. This policy does not apply to single-family homes, duplexes, and triplexes. You may find more information here to see if your building qualifies for any reporting exemptions, extensions or adjustments.

Benefits of Benchmarking

On average, commercial buildings waste up to 30% of their energy use that owners pay for. Benchmarking helps building owners better understand their electricity and gas usage to help them make informed decisions to increase efficiency and lower utility bills.

Benefits Include:

  • The city helps measure and analyze your energy use
  • Identify if your building has inefficiencies
  • Improve building and utility affordability
  • Create healthier buildings
  • Tenant retention

 The overall goals are to save money, upgrade comfort, reduce emissions and power Lakewood forward.

 

Get help with benchmarking
For any questions or benchmarking assistance on how to benchmark your building(s) please check out the Benchmarking How-To Guide(PDF, 1MB) or reach out to the Help Desk for 1-1 support by phone or email.

Email | BuildingEnergy@info.LakewoodCO.gov

Phone | 720-590-7721