Energy conservation code

I know we have some of the stronger uh IEC, International Energy Conservation Code.

it has been to provide flexibility or modification in the building code, the energy code, flood plane regulations

the minimum wage increase and the energy code requirements are another example of areas that we can look at.

um 10% below the requirement of the um Boulder Energy Conservation Code

although I appreciate the proposals 10% above our energy code

it could have implications for the city's energy code requirements which currently require new builds to use electric over natural gas.

it would preempt our our building codes and our current energy conservation code if it were to pass.

you guys passed a law a law on 2024, uh I believe it's called the energy code dealing with net zero, net zero homes.

The added layer is that, with the energy code.

we enacted an energy code in Boulder a long, long time ago.

since these projects at East were proposed in 2021, the city has adopted new building and energy codes

All of our facilities must meet the city's building and energy code.

I'm not sure what type of energy code update would be involved with that building.

And then it says the building is 100% fossil fuel free.

for this body to then send, essentially, $53 million to bring East Boulder up to energy codes and ADA issues

Similarly with energy codes, they've been developed, they're brought through a rigorous process to come forward and to ultimately be adopted.

it is now required to meet today's energy code.

we're going to be able to exceed Boulder Energy Code, and be able to target, at least, the LEED Gold equivalency

will very significantly exceed the City of Boulder's energy code's requirements by installing the maximum solar ray we can fit on the roof

The energy code is very expensive, it's the stringest in the nation.

Produce an all-electric solar-powered design with an air-sealed envelope insulated beyond 2024 COBEX standards.

the energy code itself. Like, just the contradiction, and we had a whole era

we did the building uh code update after we saw you last

just to get East Boulder Rec Center up to Energy Code

in order to bring East Boulder Rec Center up to energy code, it's gonna cost the full $53 million

we have really looked at the energy code. We've looked at the building code.

We didn't have energy codes in 1972. We didn't have even a thought of energy codes until 1973.

let's design a building that uses about 65% less energy than a traditional new building

so I checked with the, person on our staff that does the energy code. That's been since superseded

The landscaping plan shall consider and attempt to avoid shading of new trees onto a solar zone

our energy conservation codes um which make sure that you know when someone is voluntarily

I would just, also liken this to the way we enacted, the energy code updates to, commercial buildings

Um energy conservation code that's updated regularly um and that's for new construction, major renovations.

Well, commercial kitchens are exempt under our our current code.

they'll be required to meet the residential energy code, which is, as you know, is very robust

we've updated a small update in the energy conservation code to reference the EV spaces to ensure

We have energy codes. We have building codes. Correct me if I'm wrong.

I mean, we have an all electric code. They're going to be built highly efficient.

I've worked on with building codes and energy codes for years

So in the energy code discussion we were working with Council to really address this idea of embodied carbon

they were saying that you know these units could be retrofitted

to require them to upgrade that piece to the energy code standards can be a big undertaking

concerns about changing the energy code for attached adus

There's a minor change that we've included in the ordinance that updates our energy conservation code

and energy codes have, among many other types of codes, really expanded over the years.

But instead, to our energy conservation code, there were some references to required parking there

and take a peek at the energy energy conservation code and see if

parking requirements for E for electric vehicles as part of that code

But our billing codes and our energy codes are those are the things that the city is good at.

a big focus to start with last year was our energy code and really creating electric only energy code with carve outs

Originally, when we passed the deconstruction plan and ordinance and then during the building code update, excuse me, the energy code update.

Have to meet an increased energy code level

it's going to be dictated by current energy codes, whereas many of the buildings out there were built quite some time ago

that we're designing to are needing to have a 10% better than city of boulders energy code

the summer of 2024 you all approved an updated energy conservation code with new incentives for reducing embodied carbon emissions

the summer of 2024 you all approved an updated energy conservation code with new incentives for reducing embodied carbon emissions

the energy conservation code already outlines the numbers that likely doesn't need to be in the land use code

our energy conservation code now seems to be numerically objective in terms of ev charging requirements

The energy conservation code is actually where the Ev charging requirements live.

we have a really strict energy code by requiring permits

the other code we will not be bringing forth is the uh energy conservation code

it's not really like the energy code where we have that point system

designing to exceed new energy codes by 10% through the robust envelope and high quality windows

But that was in the 2024 energy code. It's not part of this update.

to permit those 2 items to ensure that they're in compliance with the Wildland urban interface code and energy code requirements

But it might be problematic within our energy code. You can't put solar on it and stuff like that right?

A prefab facility would better align with boulders, energy codes, and better stand up just to use

like we do with energy code updates to say even if you're not scraping a house and you're doing a small remodel

they're actually housed in our energy conservation code so they're not in the land use code or zoning code

we have updated our energy code to begin to identify carbon footprint as a factor

for ev charging our requirements are actually in our energy conservation code

we are now on the 2024 city of Boulder energy conservation code, so excited to see that move forward

I want to kind of reference back to the discussion that we had with the Board last year around the update to the energy code

the short answer is that's taken into account in the energy conservation code

I think the energy conservation code takes into account urban Heat Island, for sure

is taken into account in the code, in the energy code

energy code would require us to do a new thermal barrier that would be applied below the facade.

when it comes to the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems and energy code. Basically, none of the systems are meeting current code.

is our energy code that has increased the height of mechanical units on the rooftop

we have a solar array also on the roof so we might not be able to accommodate the full solar array size to meet energy code

some of those are are likely to already be required through our energy code updates and other um Cod code updates

the building codes which include energy code and maintenance and all those types of things are going to deal with

and with the current energy code that needs to be a completely closed envelope

you talk about like bringing it up to energy code

this is all part of the energy code that goes into effect

how that connects to our energy code into our building codes, I think, is a really important issue

how to bring a building that is historic up to today's energy code and where and how you can do it

to be able to provide it with the energy code and make sure the walls are thick enough for those type of things

or the sort of energy codes or other codes that would potentially be part of that

We have the ability to go back later in the year, which is a standalone amendment to the energy code

And we really changed our approach and tactic this time and to really use the energy code is an opportunity

So that's our energy code looking at our building code. And another is of course looking at our landscaping

the energy code is the document that lays out the minimum Energy Efficiency requirements for new construction

moving to the all electric requirement is a very exciting step we need to not install new fossil fuel infrastructure

the next item I wanted to mention on our update is this new requirement for all electric new construction

So this commitment is to meet the energy codes for the city.

I am not sure that the current energy code has any references to carbon reduction.

is the increased requirements of the energy code are resulting in a lot higher height

with the energy code requirements for the when doors or Windows and open are open we do require a shut off for new buildings

particularly over the past year on the energy Code. Looking at the building code, looking at the work program.

allowing for a larger percentage of projects to upgrade for wildfire resiliency and energy code.

and adopting the 2024 energy code and beginning Community engagement on the next generation

So are we saying that just the actual requirements of the energy code now, like the standards are just.

just, I'm getting really nervous that the energy code is becoming cost prohibitive for a lot of developers.

We used to go back about the energy code a lot and say that we thought that the energy code, you know

That is that something you can send to us, or is it not yet when you say that that the energy code updates?

So that'll be the first reading and then the the public hearing will take place on April eighteenth.

Around the energy code update. And we were anticipating going earlier in the year.

I would consider changing quantification and reduction to to incorporate, embody carbon accountability into city energy code and building code

So what this basically says is that any mechanical systems for heating, cooling, water, heating, cooking, close drying fireplaces

We're introducing an all electric new construction requirement. With no exceptions.

So with that a little brief history of the City of Boulder Energy Conservation Code, which I'll refer to as the Covid from here on out.

We don't generally consider that the applicants, obviously, yeah, we'll meet code. But the energy code.

rather than Kind of it's in the energy code

I don't know that the energy code alone should stand alone

such as things that are upcoming, such as the energy code, the building code.

This next month, too, we're updating, upgrading or updating our energy code.

Obviously, update to the energy code. We bring that back. Next month before that comes back to council.

if we successfully pass our updated energy code here in the next couple months they will be subject to that updated energy Cod

compliance with energy code may require purchase of off-site solar credits

Related to energy code requirements and landmarking with how many buildings in boulder or becoming more than 50 years old

significant construction costs associated with retrofitting the existing building to meet modern energy codes and building codes

we need to land on when our actual energy code is going. I don't even know now.

we're moving forward with the energy code update. In a month we, we are researching our building code

So right now, as you know council is taking a look at our existing energy code update.

as part of our energy conservation code. I know that sounds like, a little bit of a mismatch

And then the energy code. The second reading of updates to the energy code will be February first.

Yeah, the requirement would just be our energy code. Which is not not 0, but which is Very robust.

Another is embodied energy. We are wrapping up an update to the energy code.

similarly to the residential counterpart we're also proposing a section c406 for additional conservation measures in commercial buildings

the next item I wanted to discuss is something that's new to our energy code

the energy code is the document that lays out the minimum Energy Efficiency requirements for new construction

They're gonna be 2 topics that are discussed, that city council is discussing one is the energy code.

we use the energy code specifically around efficiency. Right. It's about consumption of electricity within our billings

Why are we doing update to the energy code? Why is it insufficient right now?

this idea of updates to our energy code, which I referenced a little bit earlier.

you have to meet certain sustainability requirements like energy efficiency code stuff that's actually quite stringent

our lighting power use is 40 to 60 percent less than the 2021 energy code minimums

move forward with an aggressive energy code and then try to package some of these other elements

We just have the council on updating the energy code.

look at how the landscaping requirements are really starting to fit into our updates around our energy code.

We have basically three path lines through pathways through energy code

this item really is an introduction a high level introduction to our 2024 Boulder energy conservation code development project

So the first time we're really looking at here, considering is moving towards all electric requirements for new construction and level 4 alterations

They're requiring one of the most stringent codes in the country, currently, which is the 2,021 energy code.

this energy code, our very first energy code here at the city was actually the 2,017

the percentage requirements for electric construction above which developers would just go ahead and go all electric.

the public hearing matter is the energy code update. I'm sorry the 2,024 city of Boulder Energy Conservation Code Development Project

the first iteration of our energy code here in Boulder the 2,017 version was really based more back on an earlier version of an ashtray standard

Our design is approximately 26% better than code baseline. For annual energy costs

These 2 items that you mentioned that when I bought some and the building Energy codes are good setting sessions.

So the official ask to have some sort of information in the next meeting on the building Energy Code.

yes so what windows can meet our energy code um and there are state tax credits to help offset the cost difference

Additionally, Staff found that the wood windows would likely meet the city's energy, regulation and requirements.

lastly I'll mention the energy conservation code so considering updates to the city of Boulder energy conservation code

looking at our energy code and building performance ordinance so we'll be doing updates there this year

the energy code is an example of that of just that scenario

created a minimum standard for energy codes for building energy codes

or be at least 10 percent better than the energy conservation code all those other elements

there was also discussions about the energy conservation code references or criteria and the height modification criteria

our energy code is not the highest energy code around the town of Superior

Those are more to do with some of the transportation criteria, and then our base energy conservation code

trying to exceed the to meet that criterion on the Ecc. The Energy Conservation Code.

Put a little bit the energy code. you know we'll we'll have to install solar panels

We have to meet all the energy code requirements.

pre wiring um for ed charging is is a requirement of the energy code at this point

10 more stringent than the city's energy conservation code

on the three optional criteria an all-electric building depending on the building type can be cost parity

that go above and beyond the city's already rigorous uh energy code

for the 2020 energy code for the city of boulder residential parking and new developments such as this with 125 spaces

there is a cost a cost that would probably be more than offset by the energy efficiency savings

cities that have building codes would have to adopt the 2021 international energy conservation code immediately

their house doesn't comply with the smart regs energy code requirements

we certainly do see a lot of um examples where buildings are brought up to our current energy code

energy codes are are. You know more assertive and and more progressive it ends up being very costly

governments to adopt such advanced codes as a floor local governments would still have the ability

this fourth policy priority has to do with building energy codes um so again different sector

they will likely be meeting our energy codes when they renovate or transition that property

the city has a very strict energy codes so that's always looked at favorably

the building code the energy conservation code will be 2023

what we're seeing on the commercial side is a lot of multi families about 50% of our multi families are going in all electric

And what we did is, if you have an all electric construction under this current Code on your requirements that you have to hit

And our intent is through the next code cycle to provide similar requirements, both in residential commercial for heating and cooling

OUOUR ENERGY CODE I IS UPDATED EVERYY THREEEE YEARSRS

i know that we adopt energy codes every three years and given the building electrification requests

moving forward with any policies that support electrification including you know trying to move towards net zero

because it will meet and exceed the strict strict energy code requirements that we have

TALK ABOUT THE CITY OF BOULDER ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE

USING THIS TO IDENTIFY THRESHOLD FOR ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE

THE ENERGY CODE HAS TO BE ATTAINED WHEN A BUILDING HAS BEEN ALTERED

advocating revision of the energy code to incorporate the concept of embedded energy impacts based on construction materials

it would be subject to our our energy code I don't think that we apply

I'm not sure about the building energy codes being quite as as important

Boulder and City taxpayers have invested valuable resources to strengthening an energy code

trigger us to have to meet our current energy codes which really means

the energy code has kind of taken care of a as far as the Phase two

I think we've done our energy code work and we've done a good job at that

as well as updates to the Energy Conservation code moving forward

if we were to develop this under that proposed 2020 code energy code do you mean the building code

for the gold it says meets proposed 2020 energy code what does energy codes have to do with the construction

bring the building up to meet all current codes that's current energy codes

WE ARE ESPECIALLY IN THE RESIDENTIAL SIDE OF THE WAY THAT WE'VE SET THE WHOLE BUILDING ENERGY PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

WE ALSO HAVE JUST CHANGED THE BUILDING CODE STANDARDS

THIS UPDATE IS RESTRUCTURING EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR RENOVATIONS

THEY'RE WORKING WITH US SPECIFICALLY TO FINE TUNE OUR ENERGY CODE ROAD MAP

THE ENERGY COATS OF BOULDER HAS A LONG HISTORY OF ADOPTING AN ENERGY CODE

as well as the energy code conservation piece of accelerating the net zero requirements

looking at changes to the energy conservation code looking at the different options

consider updates to the city's energy conservation code to accelerate those standards in the 2019 year

we'll have to do just to patch back those walls will trigger our energy codes and our need to bring that building up

bring the entire building up to meet our current energy codes and we would also have to comply with current flood protection requirements

most of them are pretty inefficient so they would not meet our current energy codes there's a massive

creating stricter energy codes even than we had now

MEET CURRENT CITY OF BOULDER ENERGY COATS BECAUSE IT WOULD HAVE OCCURRED PRIOR TO THIS ADOPTION

THE SAME BUILDING ENERGY CODES OF A NORMAL FIX FOUNDATION HOME DELIVERED SITE

THE COUNCIL IS PROBABLY AWARE THAT THE INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CODE WAS ADOPTED IN APPLIES TO NEW ADDITIONS

moving into local policy the city updates our energy codes every three years and we do this

adopting the most aggressive commercial energy code for new construction in the country

one is surpassing the required energy codes I think in this community there's a lot of emphasis on on renewable energy

there are a number of things that are moving forward in terms of energy codes