In 2018 Denver adopted the Denver's Green Buildings Ordinance (GBO). This city law requires developers and property owners to select from a menu of strategies for more sustainable development, which collectively seek to increase green space in Denver, improve water and storm water management, increase the use of solar and other renewable energies, foster the design of more energy-efficient buildings, and increase adoption of national green building programs, such as LEED.

The ordinance applies to the following: new buildings 25,000 square feet or larger, roof permits for existing buildings 25,000 square feet or larger, building additions 25,000 square feet or larger.