Know Your Building,
Know Your Power
Building IQ is Aspen's Pathway to Cutting Carbon in the Built Environment
The City of Aspen partners with CORE to benchmark energy and water use for existing buildings in Aspen. Benchmarking is an actionable measure you can take to reduce carbon emissions and keep Aspen a vibrant and sustainable mountain community.
Buildings generate nearly 50% of Aspen’s total greenhouse gas emissions. So, improving building performance is essential if Aspen is going to meet its climate goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 63.4% by 2030 and 100% by 2050.
Benchmarking is the Foundation for an Efficient Building
The City of Aspen established Building IQ to help property owners meet current building performance regulations. Benchmarking is the required first step to cut carbon emissions and increase building efficiency.
Since 2022, the City of Aspen has worked with CORE to benchmark Aspen buildings. CORE provides select property owners and managers with personalized support to track energy use, improve building efficiency, and comply with both the City of Aspen and the State of Colorado building performance requirements.
Driven by Results
Since Aspen’s benchmarking program began, CORE has
- Maintained a 100% benchmarking compliance rate
- Provided $200,000+ in funding to Building IQ participants for energy-saving retrofit projects
- Helped more than 115 buildings benchmark more than 4.8 million square feet of Aspen’s built environment
In 2023, benchmarked buildings in Aspen emitted an average of 333 MTCO2e. That’s equivalent to more than 800 thousand miles driven by an average gasoline-powered vehicle.
Get Started Today
Learn More About Building IQ
2024 City of Aspen's Building IQ Benchmarking Report
Visit the City of Aspen’s website to learn more about Building IQ.
Previous Years
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will Building IQ cost?
CORE’s benchmarking service along with DIY benchmarking is free of charge.
When is the benchmarking deadline?
Building owners are required to benchmark by June 1, 2025.
Who will be required to Benchmark?
Here is the current list of properties.
In 2025, owners of covered commercial properties 5,000 square feet and greater and multi-family properties 15,000 square feet and greater are required to benchmark by June 1, 2025.
Are any buildings exempt from the Building IQ program?
Per the Building IQ ordinance, select properties may qualify for certain exemptions and/or extensions. You will find exemption information and application forms on the City of Aspen’s Building IQ page. Complete the appropriate form to submit your request to the City.
How do I improve the energy performance of my building?
Start with simple measures like upgrading your lighting and adding controls, then work towards electrifying everything and powering your building with renewable energy.
Contact CORE's Energy Concierge for ideas, support, and to get connected to resources and funding to help you achieve your project goals.
What are Building Performance Standards (BPS)?
Building Performance Standards (BPS) is a policy that requires building owners to meet performance targets for energy use by actively improving their buildings over time.
When do building performance standards begin?
The Building IQ Ordinance was enacted June 1, 2022. It outlines a phased approach to benchmarking and building performance standards.
Find the timeline on the City of Aspen's Building IQ webpage.
Will my data be shared publicly?
Building specific energy use data will not be shared publicly without consent.
Will I have to do a site visit every year?
As long as your utility information is still up to date, we only need to visit your building once.
Questions? I am here to help.
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