Boulder’s Energy Conservation Code

The City of Boulder updates its energy code on a three-year cycle with the goal of attaining net-zero energy. The timeline to meet this goal is 2031. To read the document in full, please click HERE.

Listed below are the goals and objectives to fulfill Boulder’s net-zero energy goals as they pertain to building and deconstruction:

Construction & Demolition Waste Requirements

For over a decade, Boulder’s codes have included construction and demolition waste requirements for residential projects. With this code update, these requirements are being expanded to commercial projects. Additionally, improvements are being made to the code provisions and enforcement practices, including the addition of a requirement for a refundable deposit at the time of permit application.

Code Provisions for Alterations

Currently, the 2017 code requires additional energy efficiency improvements be made when renovating homes. The requirements are currently based on the construction value of the project. The 2020 code continues to require energy efficiency improvements for home renovations; however, the requirements are now triggered by the level of alteration as defined in the 2018 Existing Building Code. 

Energy Use Index (EUI) Performance Path

The 2020 code introduces an EUI target compliance path that allows Boulder to transition towards outcome-based compliance, which staff and our consultants believe will be necessary to meet the City’s building energy efficiency goals.

Solar Mandate

To meet long-term NZE performance goals, it is necessary to encourage the deployment of renewable energy at the project level. The 2017 code mandates solar-ready requirements. In the 2020 code, at least 5% of commercial building energy use be supplied by on-site renewables for new construction.

Pilot for Outcome-Verified Code Path

The 2020 code provides an outcome-verified code compliance path. Ultimately, the 2031 goal of Boulder’s energy code is to set standards that will result in buildings that are NZE, not just in theory and as designed, but verified through metered data once the building is constructed, commissioned, and occupied. The outcome path included in the 2020 code would achieve this goal for projects that opt into this path.

Read more HERE.