Starting July 1, 2024, Colorado cities will implement updated building codes that prioritize clean energy and efficiency in residential and commercial construction.
The changes are part of an initiative led by the Colorado Energy Office and aim to address the significant role buildings play in contributing to the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Will Toor, chief of the Colorado Energy Office, emphasized the urgency of these updates, stating, “Buildings are one of the five largest sources of greenhouse gas pollution in the state,” and reiterated the state’s ambitious climate goals.
To cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 and strive for net-zero emissions by 2050, Toor explained the importance of beginning with sustainable building practices to reduce pollution effectively.
Rather than prohibiting new natural gas connections for heating systems and appliances, the new standards will encourage the adoption of clean electrification methods, like electric heat pumps and induction stoves, through a scoring system that favors efficiency.
The intent is to not only reduce emissions but also to improve indoor air quality, which often suffers from the burning of fossil fuels.
Toor noted that the new energy codes would provide consumers with more stable energy costs, which are critical for affordable living, especially given the price volatility of natural gas as seen during the harsh winter storm Uri in 2021.
The codes are expected to face less backlash than previous initiatives, such as the controversial “building performance” measures that some cities, including Denver, have enacted.
These measures require large existing buildings undergoing major renovations to cut their energy consumption and emissions in proportion to an initial energy audit.
However, these initiatives have faced legal challenges from builders and property owners, who argue the associated costs are significantly burdensome due to the need for upgrades like new windows and heating systems.
Builders’ trade organizations have voiced their concerns over state-mandated energy codes since the debates following the 2022 legislative session.
They argue that the new codes could add thousands of dollars in extra costs for each newly constructed home.
The updated building codes will specify the materials and appliances that can be used, as well as how utilities will be set up for future connections.
For example, while the codes do not require a specific number of electric vehicle (EV) chargers in an apartment building, they mandate that infrastructure for future EV chargers be installed beneath asphalt or concrete during initial construction.
In addition, the new codes will ensure that wiring systems and rooftops are prepared to accommodate solar panel installations, reflecting a proactive approach to future energy demands.
The development process for these codes emphasized offering incentives rather than penalties, striving to promote energy-efficient solutions.
Toor elaborated, “If you’re putting in a high-efficiency electric heat pump, the requirements to do other things are lower than they would otherwise be.”
This unique approach serves to balance the building process without outright banning gas connections, ultimately facilitating the integration of electric heat pumps.
Additionally, the new codes are among the first in the nation to mandate that all newly constructed buildings be “demand-response capable.”
This feature will enable utilities to temporarily reduce the energy load from appliances like air conditioners during times of peak demand, provided consumers consent to such measures.
Requirements under the new codes will differ based on the size of the building to ensure affordability remains a priority.
For homes measuring under 5,000 square feet, the baseline requirements will apply.
Those between 5,000 and 7,499 square feet must achieve an energy use reduction of 7% to 10% from the baseline, while homes exceeding 7,500 square feet will be required to reach net-zero energy status.
As Colorado embarks on this important journey toward cleaner energy practices in construction, the new codes are expected to bring noticeable changes to the landscape of building and renovation in the state.
image source from：coloradosun
