Integrated Design Assistance Program

Exterior view of the CSU Powerhouse, a modern red brick building with large windows, showcasing sustainable design and industrial architecture. Located in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Program Summary

Design early. Build better. Save energy.

The Integrated Design Assistance Program helps commercial and high-rise residential building projects in Fort Collins design smarter, more efficient buildings.

By joining early — at the schematic or concept stage — your project can qualify for incentives, financing, and expert support to meet energy performance goals.

Key benefits include:

  • Lower long-term energy costs
  • Improved comfort and indoor air quality
  • Access to technical guidance during design
  • Cash incentives and access to low-interest financing

Our goal: Help you meet or exceed energy code while designing buildings that work better for people and the planet.

 

Who Can Apply

Your project may qualify if:

  • It’s new construction or major renovation
  • It’s a commercial or high-rise residential building
  • The building is 5,000 square feet or larger
  • It’s located in Fort Collins Utilities electric service territory
  • You apply during the schematic (early) design stage
   

For questions on your application, contact us at IDAP@fortcollins.gov.

Program Overview

How the Program Works (Step-by-Step)

1. Apply early
Submit your application while your project is in the schematic design phase. Earlier is better — we can help more when plans are still flexible.

2. Set your energy goal
Projects must aim to be at least 10% more efficient than what the current energy code requires. We use Energy Use Intensity (EUI) as a metric for incentives.

3. Get design support
We’ll help your team review strategies, attend design meetings, and suggest ways to meet your target through energy modeling and building science advice.

4. Finish your project
Incentives are paid according to those found in the Incentives and Financing tab below.

Incentives and Financing

Design and Construction Incentives

  • Help offset extra analysis or efficiency costs during construction

Performance Incentives

  • Receive an incentive based on actual building performance using one year of actual data

C‑PACE Financing Available

  • You may also qualify for C-PACE, a long-term, low-interest financing option
  • Paid back through your property tax bill — no upfront costs, non-recourse

Reporting and Resources

You’ll need to submit a few energy reports during your project. After we receive your application, we provide templates and support by email to make this easier:

  • Schematic Design Energy Report Template
  • Design Development & Final Energy Report Template
  • IDAP Program Manual

Need help? We’re here to support your design team throughout the process.

Email us at IDAP@fortcollins.gov.

Example Projects

See what others have done with IDAP:

Woodward’s Industrial Turbo Machinery Systems Building

  • Advanced HVAC and envelope strategies

CSU Powerhouse Energy Campus

  • Combined lab and office space
  • Integrated design resulted in better comfort and performance

Fossil Ridge High School

  • Efficient systems + daylighting strategies
  • Ongoing operational savings

Seven Generations Office Park – Building A

  • Cost-effective design improvements from IDAP support

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I apply if my design is already finished?

A: Unfortunately, no. IDAP is only for projects still in early design stages.

Q2: What if my building is under 5,000 sq ft?

A: IDAP is limited to buildings 5,000 sq ft and above. IDAP can be flexible. Please connect with the IDAP administrator to check qualifications.

Q3: Can IDAP help with LEED or Green Globes certification?

A: While IDAP isn’t a certification program, the energy modeling and design support often help with other green building goals.

Q4: Can I combine this with other rebates?

A: Yes! Your project may also qualify for Efficiency Works rebates, solar incentives, or electrification support.

Q5: How is energy performance tracked?

A: We use a metric called Energy Use Intensity (EUI) — it shows how much energy a building uses per square foot each year.

Approved Energy Consultants

Ambient Energy

1449 7th St.
Suite 440
Denver, CO 80204
303-278-1532
lmorrison@ambient-e.com

 

Bowman

323 3rd Ave.
Suite100
Longmont, CO 80501
720-853-0160
jgoodman@bowman.com

 

Energetics Consulting Engineers, LLC

6140 S. Gun Club Rd.
#K6-121
Aurora, CO 80016
303-876-7655 x700
elizabeth@energetics-eng.com

 

Energy Studio

5018 Underwood Ave.
#201
Omaha, NE 68132
askillman@energystudioinc.com

Group14 Engineering

1325 E 16th Ave.
Denver, CO 80218
303-861-2070
info@group14eng.com

Iconergy

1905 Sherman St.
Suite #1040
Denver, CO 80203
303-942-1713
info@iconergyco.com

McKinstry

16025 Table Mountain Parkway
Golden, CO 80403
303-215-4083
noahw@mckinstry.com

NORESCO

2540 Frontier Ave.
Suite 100
Boulder, CO 80301
303-444-4149
info@archenergy.com

 

Norton Energy R&D, LLC

1290 Ithaca Dr.
Boulder, CO 80305
303-579-3377
paul@paulnorton.net
(specializes in single-family and multi-family development projects)

 

Professional Engineering Consultants, P.A.

420 Linden St.
Suite 110
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-232-9558
Chad.Hayes@pec1.com

 

The Weidt Group

1521 15th St.
Suite 100
Denver, CO 80202
303-573-9200

     

 

Have questions or ready to apply?

Email us at IDAP@fortcollins.gov.