New Freddie Mac Requirements Put Energize Denver Compliance in the Lending Spotlight

A recent Freddie Mac update signals that building performance requirements are beginning to affect underwriting, disclosure, and escrow expectations for multifamily financing in Denver. For CREDA members who are owners, borrowers, lenders, and investors, the development raises important questions about capital availability, compliance planning, and the broader impact of Energize Denver and Colorado Regulation 28.

According to the update, borrowers must now demonstrate that they have submitted required benchmarking data, and if a property is not on track to comply, Freddie Mac will require a compliance plan outlining the estimated costs and timeline to achieve compliance. Freddie Mac may also require funds to be escrowed as part of the financing. Currently, we believe this may impact approximately 80 existing loans

Pennies for Progress:

A Movement to Protect the Future of Commercial Real Estate in Colorado

There are moments in every industry when standing on the sidelines is no longer an option. Now, more than ever, is a moment to step in. Across Colorado, legislation impacting commercial real estate is being introduced, debated, and passed at an unprecedented pace. These decisions shape how we build, invest, operate, and grow. They influence everything from development feasibility and housing supply to job creation and long-term economic vitality.

And here’s the truth: Without advocacy, decisions are made for us, not with us.

Public Policy Updates - February 2026

NAIOP Colorado Appoints Public Policy Committee Chair

Energize Denver Ordinance 2.0 and Colorado Building Decarbonization Program Updates

ABOUT: In 2021, Denver adopted the “Energize Denver” ordinance requiring large commercial and multifamily buildings to meet strict energy performance targets to help the City and County of Denver meet emissions reduction goals. Shortly after, the State of Colorado passed HB21-1286, establishing statewide Building Performance Standards. Together, these two programs created overlapping, and at times, conflicting, compliance requirements for building owners, prompting the need for further clarification.

NAIOP has been actively engaged in these policy conversations to ensure our members who are directly impacted by these mandates, can meet requirements without facing unreasonable burdens.

Public Policy Outlook: 2025 Legislative Session

Submitted by Kathie Barstnar, NAIOP Colorado 

The Colorado General Assembly’s 2025 legislative session opened on Wednesday, January 8. The Public Policy Committee met to review the potential issues that we will follow during this session, and we will keep you updated as we move through the next 120 days.