Proposed Energy Conservation Code Changes
The city is in the process of updating its Energy Conservation Code. The Energy Conservation Code sets minimum energy performance standards for newly constructed and renovated buildings. The code is updated on a three-year cycle, and its last revision was in 2020. The city just started stakeholder engagement and will be discussing the proposal during a study session on 11/9/2023. While have not seen the draft code yet, we expect it to be available sometime in November.
Based on the City’s Initial Stakeholder Engagement this is what we know:
- The new code will apply to every building in Boulder over 1000 sq ft, compliance under 1000 sq ft will be optional
- This will be applied to residential, commercial, multifamily, etc. It will be for new construction and renovations.
- The proposal includes ALL electric new construction. Solar Ready & EV Requirements aligned with State Model Code
- On renovations they are proposing that the state of the original property be considered, and they are attempting to apply the new energy requirements only on the addition, but that will be difficult with air loss etc. The new addition will be allowed to utilize the existing gas but will need to the primary heat and cooling source be non-gas in order to comply.
On first glance, we have concerns regarding both cost to the membership as well as electric capacity. If you are interested in being involved, please contact meghan@barhaonline.org as soon as possible. We anticipate this going to council as early as January so we do not have a lot of time. Click Here for the city website on this project.
If you would like to ask questions or give comments to the city directly on the proposal please contact: Josh Hanson, HansonJ@bouldercolorado.gov.