Building Management & Landscape Stewardship

WHAT IS BUILDING MANAGEMENT?

Building Management encompasses a holistic approach to managing and maintaining the built environment within the HOA. It goes beyond specific resource conservation measures and includes a range of practices related to building operations and maintenance. Examples include developing and enforcing sustainable landscaping guidelines, promoting indoor air quality and occupant comfort, and monitoring and reporting on building performance and sustainability metrics. Overall, effective building management within an HOA contributes to the livability, value, and environmental impact of the community.

ENERGIZE DENVER

Denver skyline — Denver has set a goal for existing buildings to reach net zero energy by 2040. The Energize Denver Ordinance establishes Energy Use Intensity (EUI) targets for buildings 25,000 sq. ft. and larger. Buildings must meet a final EUI target by 2030, with interim targets in 2025 and 2027. Completing your Benchmarking Report every year (using the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager tool) helps you keep track of your energy performance. It will let you easily see whether you are on track to meet your interim and final Performance Requirements. If your current building EUI is higher than your Performance Requirement, you will have to take action to reduce your energy use. Failure to act could result in fines or other penalties from the city.

WHAT IS LANDSCAPE STEWARDSHIP?

Man standing on rock with arms outstretched — Landscape Stewardship refers to the external parts of the building and focuses on sustainable and responsible management of outdoor areas within a community. It involves practices that promote biodiversity, conserve water, reduce chemical usage, and create attractive, functional, and environmentally friendly landscapes. Key components include native and adaptive plants, biodiversity enhancement, drought-tolerant landscaping, soil health, and integrated pest management. Overall, the aim is to create and maintain landscapes that are environmentally responsible.

Benefits

Highrise apartments with trees overflowing balconies — Landscape stewardship has many benefits, including: Increased resilience
– Long-term cost savings
– Support local wildlife and biodiversity
– Community engagement
– Increased property values
– Improved air quality
– A variety of ecosystem services including: Maintaining water quality
– Climate regulation
– Noise reduction
– Pollination services
– Biological control
– Ecosystem services have an estimated global value of $125 trillion/year and contribute to more than twice as much to human well-being as global GDP (source)

Where to Start with Energize Denver

Look into Xcel’s and Denver’s programs and rebates to assist in benchmarking and performance compliance

Suggestions for Implementing Land Stewardship

Step 1

Include best practices of stewardship in Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R)
- Architectural and Design Guidelines

Step 2

Utilize existing certifications that can be used for recognition, including:
- National Wildlife Federation/Colorado Wildlife: Certified Wildlife Habitat
- The Sustainable Sites Initiative

Step 3

Utilize existing certified pest management, such as:
- GreenShield Certification for pest management companies
- GreenPro Service Certification
- EcoWise Certification

Resources:

Energize Denver Hub
- One-stop-shop for understanding Denver’s existing building regulations, incentives, and programs
Energize Denver Benchmarking and Energy Performance Requirements
Directory for Buildings 25,000 Square Feet or Larger
Directory for Buildings 5,000-24,999 Square Feet
Benchmarking Requirements & Basics
Training & Vendor List
Good Energy Management Is Good Business for Multifamily Properties