Colorado Electric Energy Efficiency

Demand Side Management

Commercial: New Construction & LEED Green
Buildings Program

This program is designed to promote energy-efficiency in the new construction and major renovation market. The program also targets buildings that are seeking certification as Green Buildings through the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED gives building owners and operators the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings' performance. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health:

  • Sustainable site development
  • Water savings
  • Energy-efficiency
  • Materials selection
  • Indoor environmental quality

Targeted for all classes of commercial customers, this program aims to showcase the benefits of environmentally sound building practices, focused on new construction.

Example of customers who would be targeted to participate in this program includes:

  • School districts
  • Hospitals
  • Offices
  • Grocery stores
  • Public buildings

Black Hills Energy will provide incentives for both the design and construction phases of the building process.

Savings are estimated as a percentage reduction below the minimum code requirements and based on achievable results as seen through studies by the USGBC.

A recent study by the USGBC concluded that LEED buildings are, on average, 25%-30% more energy-efficient than non-LEED buildings. Therefore, by promoting LEED Green buildings, it is expected that a significant improvement over standard construction practices and building performance will be achieved.

Energy savings is expected to be achieved through the design and construction of multiple energy efficiency measures and technologies including, but not limited to:

  • Improved building envelope thermal performance (e.g., insulation)
  • High performance lighting design
  • Lighting fixtures and light sources (including fluorescent lamps and ballasts)
  • Energy-efficient cooling systems (e.g., evaporative cooling or rooftop units)
  • Premium efficiency motor and drive systems for fans and pumps

For New Construction and Green Building projects, incentives are divided into two categories, Design Incentives, which are categorized as Program Delivery costs, and Construction Incentives, considered as traditional rebates paid to the building owner.

Click on link to download application:

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