A change is in progress statewide that will lower operating costs and save energy for new buildings in our area.

Building codes generally set a minimum standard of safety and durability in new construction. Along with building codes, there are also minimum standards for the energy efficiency of buildings. Energy codes have been around since 1975 and were developed in response to rising energy costs. They are a tool to manage the ongoing expense of living in our homes and doing business in our public and commercial buildings. Nowadays, energy codes are generally updated every three to six years along with other building codes.

As a “Home Rule” state, Colorado leaves some decisions up to local jurisdictions that are determined by the state in many other parts of the country. As a result, Colorado is one of only a few states in the nation that has no minimum energy code.

Legislation adopted in 2024 is now going into effect to expand the variety of building standards defined statewide through a multi-year process. These codes will keep new buildings in our region up-to-date in terms of energy efficiency, reduce their vulnerability to wildfire, and make them easier to renovate as technology improves. Of these three new codes, the energy code is based on nationwide standards and the other two are specific to Colorado.

In my work I hear a lot of concern that these new codes will prohibitively increase the cost of construction. In fact, thorough analysis has been done showing a quick return on investment to meet the new energy code. The increased insulation and higher quality windows required add a small percentage to the cost of a new building but are quickly paid off through utility bill savings. Some will point out that these are savings for the building owner, but question the impact on developers. Since these new codes were broadly adopted a few years ago in much of the nation, we have those numbers too: The National Association of Homebuilders has released their regular survey showing that builders’ profit margins actually increased since these codes were adopted across the country.

This update also increases consistency in design and building processes across our region, thus reducing the need to change building practices from one jurisdiction to another. This sets builders up for success and eases the workload of building officials who need to support them in adapting to different standards for each project.

As a self-described buildings nerd, I love Stewart Brand’s book “How Buildings Learn.” It’s full of images of buildings that have been renovated and remodeled over the span of many years. Some are barely recognizable, all have changed in some way. 

Many structures being built today will last 100 years or more. A lot will change in that time. The Electric and Solar Ready Code requires buildings to be built to accommodate potential future upgrades. These standards do not require solar panels, electric vehicle chargers, or electric heating; but they do require the building to accommodate future installation of these things. These buildings will be better prepared to meet the needs of future owners and occupants by being built with flexibility in mind.

Including the framework for these systems at the time of construction is far more affordable than adding them later. For example, running high-capacity electrical service to the garage for an EV charger could be very expensive. Running the empty conduit to the garage before drywall is installed and painted will cost far less. Similarly, installing solar panels requires a pathway from the roof to your electric panel. Like that EV charger, this is much more affordable to do while the walls and ceiling of the house are open and accessible.  

Garfield Clean Energy’s role is to support jurisdictions in our area by connecting them with resources and funding to create a package of new codes that works for them. We also provide the building industry with opportunities to learn how to design and build to these updated standards. Together we can be part of ensuring buildings in our communities save energy and are ready for the future.

Heidi McCullough is a Buildings Specialist with CLEER, Clean Energy Economy for the Region, the nonprofit that manages the programs of Garfield Clean Energy.