Energy input spectra applicable to the seismic design of structures in moderate-to-high seismicity regions such as Colombia are proposed. They are derived from the bilinear envelope of individual spectra obtained for 144 ground motions recorded in Colombia. The spectra account for the increase of input energy due to the plastification of the structure in the short period region, through a new formula derived from extensive nonlinear analyses. The proposed energy input design spectra are compared with the provisions of the Colombian seismic code, and with those proposed for Japan, Iran and Greece. It is found that the proposed spectra are more demanding than the current Colombian seismic code, and that they are agree with those developed recently for six cities in Greece by applying a different approach. An empirical equation to estimate the portion of the seismic input energy that contributes to structural damage is also proposed.