Colorado launches new building code designed to encourage efficient, all-electric homes – Colorado Public Radio

Report on Colorado’s Model Low Energy and Carbon Code

Introduction: Aligning Building Standards with Sustainable Development Goals

The State of Colorado has officially adopted the Model Low Energy and Carbon Code, a new set of minimum building standards scheduled for mandatory implementation by July 1, 2026. This policy initiative represents a significant step towards integrating sustainable development into state-level regulation, with a direct focus on achieving key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The code is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector while addressing concerns about housing affordability, thereby advancing several interconnected SDGs.

• SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): By mandating higher energy efficiency, the code aims to reduce long-term energy costs for residents and businesses.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): The regulations promote the development of more sustainable and resilient housing and commercial infrastructure.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): The primary objective is to mitigate climate change by cutting carbon emissions from a significant source.

Advancing Climate Action and Clean Energy (SDG 13 & SDG 7)

Emissions Reduction Strategy

The new code directly targets emissions from residential and commercial buildings, which constitute nearly 10 percent of Colorado’s total greenhouse gas emissions, making it the state’s fifth-largest source. This measure is a critical component of Colorado’s broader climate strategy and contributes directly to the objectives of SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Promotion of Clean and Efficient Energy Systems

The code is structured to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy sources, in line with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). Key measures include:

• Establishing a single energy efficiency target for all-electric and mixed-fuel buildings, which encourages the adoption of electric heat pumps by allowing them to compete on a level playing field with fossil-fuel systems.
• Building upon previous requirements that ensure new constructions are wired for future installation of solar panels and electric vehicle chargers.

Fostering Sustainable Communities and Infrastructure (SDG 11 & SDG 9)

Code Framework and Provisions

Developed by the Colorado Energy Code Board, the state-specific code is a modified version of the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The board’s composition included a diverse range of stakeholders, such as affordable housing experts, local officials, and sustainability advocates, reflecting an inclusive approach to creating sustainable communities. The code promotes innovation in building infrastructure, a core tenet of SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), through a tiered system of requirements based on home size.

1. Homes under 5,000 sq. ft.: Must meet baseline energy efficiency standards.
2. Homes between 5,000 and 7,499 sq. ft.: Must adhere to more stringent efficiency requirements.
3. Homes over 7,500 sq. ft.: Must achieve net-zero energy consumption, either through onsite renewable generation (e.g., solar panels) or by purchasing offsite renewable energy. This provision targets the disproportionately high energy use of large luxury homes.

Stakeholder Analysis: The Debate on Affordability and Sustainability

Government and Environmental Advocate Position

Proponents of the new code emphasize its long-term benefits for creating sustainable and affordable communities.

• The Colorado Energy Office asserts that the rules will protect residents from volatile energy prices, enhancing long-term affordability and contributing to the goals of SDG 7.
• Environmental groups, such as the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, believe the code successfully balances energy efficiency mandates with affordability concerns, making it a suitable policy for Colorado’s future.

Home Builder Concerns

The Colorado Association of Home Builders has raised significant concerns regarding the code’s impact on upfront housing costs, which they argue could undermine progress toward SDG 11 by exacerbating the state’s housing affordability crisis.

• The association contends that the increased construction costs will create a barrier to homeownership that is not offset by future energy savings.
• It was argued that the code development board prioritized the views of officials from affluent communities over the need for broad housing affordability.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  The article focuses on Colorado’s new “Model Low Energy and Carbon Code,” which is designed to improve energy efficiency in new homes and offices. It discusses measures like better insulation, encouraging the use of electric heat pumps, and requiring solar panels for large homes. These actions directly support the goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by promoting energy efficiency and clean energy sources.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The new building code is a state-level regulation affecting all cities and counties in Colorado. It aims to make buildings (a core component of cities) more sustainable by reducing their environmental footprint. The article also delves into the critical urban issue of housing affordability, weighing the long-term benefits of lower energy bills against the potential for increased upfront construction costs, which is central to creating sustainable and inclusive communities.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  A primary driver for the new building code is to “making significant progress towards reducing greenhouse gas pollution and meeting our climate goals.” The article explicitly states that residential and commercial buildings are the state’s fifth-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for almost 10% of Colorado’s contribution to climate change. The code is a direct policy measure to combat climate change by mitigating emissions from the building sector.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  The adoption of a new, modern building code represents an upgrade to infrastructure standards. It pushes the construction industry towards innovation by encouraging the adoption of new technologies like all-electric heat pumps and providing builders with more flexible options to meet energy efficiency standards. This aligns with the goal of building resilient infrastructure and fostering sustainable industrialization.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy

   The code mandates that homes over 7,500 square feet must “cover its total energy usage with onsite options like solar panels or purchase offsite energy from a community solar garden.” This is a direct policy to increase the share of renewable energy in the residential sector.

2. Target 7.3: Double the rate of improvement in energy efficiency

   The entire purpose of the “Model Low Energy and Carbon Code” is to improve energy efficiency. The article states the U.S. Department of Energy determined the standards “would generally improve overall energy efficiency” and that the rules will “insulate residents from high energy bills.”

3. Target 11.1: Ensure access to affordable housing

   The article highlights the debate around housing affordability. While officials argue the code promotes a “more affordable cost of living” through energy savings, the Colorado Association of Home Builders expresses concern that it will “increase the cost of much-needed housing,” directly addressing the challenge of ensuring access to affordable homes.

4. Target 11.6: Reduce the environmental impact of cities

   The code is designed to reduce the environmental impact of buildings within cities and counties by “reducing greenhouse gas pollution.” By targeting the building sector, which accounts for nearly 10% of state emissions, the policy aims to lower the adverse per capita environmental impact of urban areas.

5. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies and planning

   The article describes the new building code as part of a “multi-year plan to bring local building codes in line with state climate goals.” The creation of the Colorado Energy Code Board and the implementation of statewide building standards is a clear example of integrating climate change measures into state and local policy and planning.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Building Sector

   The article explicitly mentions that “residential and commercial buildings account for almost 10 percent of Colorado’s contribution to climate change.” A key indicator of the code’s success would be a reduction in this percentage over time, measuring progress towards Targets 11.6 and 13.2.

2. Energy Consumption in Buildings

   The goal to “insulate residents from high energy bills” and improve “overall energy efficiency” implies that a key metric for success is the reduction of energy use in new buildings. This could be measured in kWh or BTUs per square foot, tracking progress for Target 7.3.

3. Adoption of Renewable Energy in New Homes

   The requirement for large homes to use onsite or offsite renewable energy provides a clear indicator. Progress towards Target 7.2 can be measured by the number of new homes incorporating solar panels or participating in community solar gardens.

4. Cost of New Housing Construction

   The debate on affordability points to the cost of construction as a critical indicator. The article mentions an analysis that found the 2024 IECC update “would reduce the cost of building new homes in most places,” while home builders warn the Colorado-specific rules will “increase housing prices.” Tracking the actual cost of building homes under the new code would be a direct indicator related to Target 11.1.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: cpr.org