Welcome 

The Energize Denver Compliance Assistance Gap Fund provides financial support to qualifying buildings 25,000 sq. ft, and larger. Building owners can receive up to $50,000 to help implement energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy projects that support compliance with the Energize Denver Building Performance Policy.    

These guidelines outline the Fund’s purpose, eligibility, and application process.

Purpose

Support Energy Efficiency and Electrification Upgrades

• Projects support buildings in their compliance pathway for Energize Denver. 
• Projects reduce carbon pollution from buildings, which improves air quality and health for building occupants and Denverites more broadly.

Reduce Financial Barriers for Equity Priority Buildings

• Funds will be allocated to buildings that serve low-income residents, limited-revenue businesses, or community-serving organizations

Maintain Affordability and Long-Term Building Resilience

• Support upgrades that improve comfort, safety, and operational resilience.
• Lower project costs contributing to buildings affordability and stability for tenants.

Advance Market Scalability and Replicable Solutions

• Support projects that can serve as models for other buildings, demonstrating scalable approaches to energy efficiency, electrification, or financing.

Prioritize Projects with Clear Readiness and Timely Implementation

• Elevate projects that have a defined scope, contractor estimates, and a clear compliance path, enabling upgrades to be implemented quickly and efficiently within the 2026 timeline.

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be subject to the Energize Denver Building Performance Policy requirements for buildings 25,000 sq. ft. and larger.
• Be designated as an Equity Priority Building (EPB).
• Demonstrate project readiness through one or more of the following:
• Contractor quotes 
• Defined project scope 
• A compliance path from an ASHRAE Level II energy audit 
• A compliance plan from an Energy Performance Improvement Calculator (EPIC) report or equivalent 
• Maximize all incentives/rebates available

Application Process & Relevant Deadlines

Before you can apply for Gap Funding, you must have an approved Equity Priority Building application on file with the city. If you have not yet done this, please fill out an Equity Priority Building application before proceeding with your gap funding application.  

The application window is now open and will close by September 30, 2026. To apply, eligible building owners will:  

• Submit an Equity Priority Building application and obtain approval for EPB designation. If you have done this previously, you do not need to submit another Equity Priority Building application. 
• Submit an online application that includes proof of project readiness and documentation describing the project scope, budget, and timeline. Your application will require you to attach:                                        
  • Contractor quotes and/or scope of work
  • ASHRAE Level II Audit or EPIC analysis
  • Project budget and timeline
  • Financial documentation for gap assessment (rebates, tax credits, financing)
  • Proof of Equity Priority Building status or application  

All Gap Funding applications will undergo a scoring process based on market scalability, readiness, financial need, and decarbonization benefits. Grants will be awarded based on available funds, with a maximum of $50,000 per building.  

Review Criteria: 

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Project readiness
• Financial need and the size of the remaining gap
• Decarbonization impact (energy savings, emissions reductions)
• Potential for market demonstration or scalability
• Ability to complete the project in 2026

Note: Grant funds are provided after the building owner/representative participates in a round of financial coaching and a financial analysis confirms a remaining gap exists beyond available rebates, tax credits, and financing options.  

Payment Structure:

Awarded funds are disbursed in two payments:

• Initial Payment: Up to 50% of installation cost upon contract execution and confirmation of project initiation (e.g., signed contractor agreement).
• Final Payment: Remaining funds released upon project completion and documentation (permits pulled/closed, installation verification, incentive documentation, final invoices).

Final Reporting Requirements 

Grantees must provide:  

• Confirmation of project completion  
• Documentation of incentives received  
• Final report on estimated energy savings, GHG emissions avoided, and building/tenant impacts  
• Optional: tenant education or workforce development outcomes

Additional Resources

For more details, FAQs, and sample application materials, visit this website

For questions or assistance, contact: energizedenver@denvergov.org or schedule a call here