Building Performance Standards

Building IQ

A building performance standard is a policy that requires building owners to meet performance targets for energy use by actively improving their buildings over time.

The second step in the Building IQ program is the Building Performance Standard (BPS). Requiring reductions from existing buildings helps achieve decarbonization goals because the majority of commercial and residential building stock that will be standing in 2050 is already built. From a building owner's perspective, BPS provides flexibility as owners can use whatever technologies and operational strategies they decide are most effective and economical to meet the target. Multiple other state and local governments have passed BPS policies, including Washington D.C., New York City, St. Louis, and the states of Colorado and Washington. 

The BPS policy details for the City of Aspen have not yet been defined and will be developed in an inclusive process involving input from property owners, tenants, climate experts, contractors, environmental justice groups, and more. A stakeholder engagement process began in 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

One of the most effective ways to save energy and water in buildings is to benchmark — that is, to measure and compare a building’s energy to similar buildings, past consumption, or a reference performance level. It’s also the first step to meeting future Building Performance Standards.

  • 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.

  • When do building performance standards begin?

    The Building IQ Ordinance was enactment 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.

Building Performance Standards

Once you understand how your building uses water and energy, it’s time to start using resources more wisely. That is where Building Performance Standards–AKA BPS–come into play. 



BPS is a policy that requires building owners to meet performance targets for energy use by actively improving their buildings over time. Since the majority of commercial and residential building stock that will be standing in 2050 is already built, BPS will help accelerate carbon-reduction at the rate necessary to meet local and national climate action goals. From a building owner’s perspective, BPS provides flexibility as owners can use whatever technologies and operational strategies they decide are most effective and economical to meet the target. Multiple state and local governments have passed BPS policies, including Washington D.C., New York City, St. Louis, and Colorado and Washington states.


The BPS policy details for the City of Aspen have not been defined, yet. We are interested in getting feedback from community stakeholders and will be starting stakeholder engagement beginning in 2022 with the goal of collecting input to implement policies the following year, in 2023. CORE provides technical and financial resources to help aid in the process. Check out our grants and rebates to receive funding for energy efficiency projects. 

  • How do I improve the energy performance of my building?

    CORE’s Commercial Path to Zero is a step-by-step guide for improving building performance. Start with simple measures like upgrading your lighting and adding controls then work your down the path all the way to electrifying everything and powering your building with renewable energy. Plus, we provide funding to help get you there – check out our rebates and grants!


    …or just reach out to Mike Bouchet. He will visit your property and create a simple, cost-effective plan customized for your building.

  • When do building performance standards begin?

    Building IQ Ordinance enactment: June 1, 2022


    • Building Performance Standards (BPS) stakeholder group formed: Summer 2022
    • BPS stakeholder group conducts research, gathers feedback from the broader community, and develops the BPS Design Guidelines: Summer 2022 – Q3 2023
    • BPS Design Guidelines brought to Council for consideration and adoption: Q3/Q4 2023
    • Properties will need to comply with building performance standard: TBD (Established by BPS Design Guidelines)

Questions? I am here to help.

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