New legislation approved by Colorado lawmakers will make it mandatory for local governments to update their building codes to make structures in the state substantially more energy efficient. House Bill 1362, otherwise known as the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill, calls for the establishment of what is being called an Energy Code Board that will adapt and enforce updated energy codes, while also putting in place a clear air building investments fund to support energy efficiency building initiatives. Proposed by Representative Tracey Bernett and Senator Chris Hansen, the legislation sets a January 2, 2025, deadline for local government, as well as state agencies, to adopt an energy code in keeping with the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code. According to a fiscal analysis of the bill, some $3 million, coming out of Colorado’s General Fund, will be available to help local governments with the new energy codes and to fund training to “assist architects, builders, contractors, and designers in implementing the energy codes.” The measure has won the support of various energy efficiency and green building groups, while also garnering criticism from the organization Switch Automation, whose chief executive officer Deb Noller told the Denver Post: “It’s certainly not aggressive enough to be addressing where the built environment needs to go over the next five to six years.” The bill has also been derided by industry groups such as the Colorado Springs Home Builders Association which has said that the new code requirements will add at least $12,000 to the price of building a home. The measure has now been sent to Governor Jared Polis for his signature. By Garry Boulard
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