Denver Replaces 2017 Green Roof Law

Denver City Council has voted to repeal and replace the green roof law it passed in 2017. The older law required rooftop greenery on reroofs or new commercial buildings larger than 25,000 sq. ft. The revised law will require light-colored, reflective cool roofs. Building developers can choose several new options for attaining environmental goals, including build a green space into the structure or lot; pay a per-square-foot fee to fund energy efficiency elsewhere; implement renewable energy; or meet standards for an environmental certification program, such as LEED.

The changes were made after real estate developers opposed the original law, arguing it would add nearly 3 percent to the cost of constructing large buildings.