Denver commercial buildings
Commercial LED lighting for Energize Denver compliance
For covered Denver properties, a professionally planned LED retrofit can turn a fast-approaching compliance requirement into lower lighting demand, better visibility and a cleaner path to documentation.
A practical compliance route
Denver’s small-building deadline is now a project schedule
Energize Denver’s latest rules took effect on August 27, 2026. Covered buildings from 5,000 to 24,999 square feet follow prescriptive requirements, and the largest group in that range is first in line.
Owners and facility managers of 20,000–24,999-square-foot properties must meet the new requirement by December 31, 2026. LED lighting is one official pathway. The rule can be met by demonstrating that at least 90% of total lighting load is provided by LED lights, that 97% of fixtures are LED, or that all lighting meets the 2019 Denver Building and Fire Code lighting power-density standard.
Sun Bright LED helps Denver offices, retail buildings, warehouses, multifamily properties and other commercial facilities move from fixture inventory through installation and verification. The goal is not simply to replace lamps. It is to choose the right compliance route, document it correctly and avoid ordering equipment that does not fit the space, controls or rebate program.
Not sure which rule applies? Confirm your building’s gross floor area and coverage status with the official Energize Denver program before work begins.
of fixtures can be LED
That is one of the verified prescriptive lighting options for covered Denver buildings under 25,000 square feet.
- Alternative: LEDs provide at least 90% of total lighting load
- Alternative: meet the 2019 Denver lighting power-density code
- Separate renewable-energy route is also available under the city rules
Know your date
Energize Denver compliance deadlines
The schedule below comes from Denver’s September 1, 2026 technical guidance for buildings of 5,000–24,999 square feet. Buildings of 25,000 square feet or more follow the separate performance-based pathway.
| Gross floor area | Compliance deadline | Requirement type |
|---|---|---|
| 20,000–24,999 sq. ft. | December 31, 2026 | Priority now Prescriptive |
| 15,000–19,999 sq. ft. | December 31, 2027 | Prescriptive |
| 10,000–14,999 sq. ft. | December 31, 2028 | Prescriptive |
| 5,000–9,999 sq. ft. | December 31, 2029 | Prescriptive |
| 25,000+ sq. ft. | Performance timelines extend to 2028/2032 | EUI-based |
Coverage, exemptions and adjustments can depend on the property. Use Denver’s official guidance or Help Desk for a building-specific determination.
The LED option
Three lighting ways to demonstrate compliance
For a covered building in the prescriptive size range, the owner certifies one qualifying route. A site survey can determine which route is clearest for the existing fixture mix.
90%
LED lighting load
At least 90% of the building’s total lighting load is provided by LED lights. This route depends on wattage, not only fixture count.
97%
LED fixture count
At least 97% of the building’s lighting fixtures are LED. A complete inventory is essential before and after the retrofit.
LPD
Code-compliant lighting
All lighting meets the 2019 Denver Building and Fire Code requirements for lighting power density.
From audit to filing
A clear Energize Denver LED compliance process
Starting with verified conditions prevents costly rework. Sun Bright LED can support the field work while the owner remains responsible for the city submission.
Confirm coverage
Verify Denver location, gross floor area, building status and the applicable deadline using the city’s current guidance.
Survey fixtures
Inventory indoor and outdoor fixtures, lamp type, wattage, quantity, controls, operating hours and areas that need better light quality.
Design the retrofit
Select qualifying products and the strongest route—90% load, 97% fixtures or lighting-power-density compliance. Check rebate eligibility before ordering.
Install and dispose
Complete the retrofit and handle fluorescent, high-pressure sodium, mercury-vapor and metal-halide fixtures as regulated universal waste.
Verify and submit
Complete the Lighting Verification Template and attestation, or use an eligible Xcel lighting audit with signed auditor attestation. Keep upgrade invoices for two years.
Reduce project cost
Xcel Energy LED rebates for Denver businesses
Xcel Energy offers several commercial lighting incentive routes. Rebate amounts vary by fixture and program, so eligibility should be confirmed before equipment is purchased.
Prescriptive rebates
Available for qualifying indoor and outdoor LED fixtures and lamps, including common troffer, bay, wall-pack, canopy, garage and area-lighting categories.
Business LED Instant Rebate
Qualifying screw-in and pin-based lamps may receive a point-of-sale discount through participating distributors, without a separate rebate wait.
Business energy assessments
Xcel’s business programs include energy assessments, including a free on-site lighting assessment for eligible small-business customers.
Rebates applied upfront
Sun Bright LED’s stated approach is to handle eligible rebate paperwork and deduct approved rebate value from the project cost upfront, reducing the amount the customer has to carry.
No rebate amount is promised here. Product qualification, customer eligibility and program funding can change.
Built for commercial projects
Why Denver businesses choose Sun Bright LED
Rebate support
Qualifying incentives are reviewed early and handled with the project instead of being left as an afterthought.
Transparent scope
A fixture-level survey creates a clear record of what is being replaced, where it is located and which compliance route it supports.
Done-right focus
Product selection, installation quality and documentation are coordinated so the finished project can stand up to verification.
Energy efficiency
LED retrofits can reduce lighting demand and maintenance while improving visibility in work, customer and parking areas.
Answers for owners
Frequently asked questions
These answers summarize the current city guidance. For a binding decision about a specific property, contact Energize Denver.
Covered Denver buildings with 20,000–24,999 square feet of gross floor area have a December 31, 2026 prescriptive compliance deadline under the September 2026 technical guidance.
Continue your research
Commercial lighting resources
Regulation overview
Energize Denver lighting standards
Read Sun Bright LED’s background guide, then use the current deadline table on this page for the updated 2026 schedule.
Colorado policy
Colorado House Bill and commercial lighting
See how statewide lighting rules affect older mercury-containing lamps and retrofit planning.
Project planning
How a lighting retrofit works
Understand the core decisions behind fixture replacement, controls and energy-saving upgrades.
Verified guidance
Official sources
- Energize Denver Building Performance Policy
- Rules and Regulations — latest version effective August 27, 2026
- Technical guidance for buildings 5,000–24,999 sq. ft. — Version 4.0, September 1, 2026
Get a free Denver lighting survey and energy usage audit
Start with the fixture inventory your compliance decision depends on. Sun Bright LED will review the site, identify a practical LED path and check which qualifying Xcel incentives may reduce the project cost.