Code Officials

Please READ: HERS Score Change -- Equivalency Letter (8/24/06)

In Colorado and nationwide, jurisdictions are choosing to adopt building codes that promote energy efficiency. Driving forces behind this trend include recognition of the connections between home energy efficiency, home quality, and a cleaner environment. Another driving force is the relationship between energy’s tightening supply, increasing demand, and rising price. Colorado, the U.S., and the world, are moving into a new chapter of history with respect to the use of fossil fuels.

Colorado jurisdictions that have adopted the International Residential Code (IRC) or the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) as their energy code exemplify that such changes should be addressed. The IRC and IECC provide options for enforcing energy code compliance. Notably, both codes permit the use of an accredited Home Energy Rating System (HERS) analysis, such as the E-Star Home Energy Rating Report, to determine if construction fulfills the requirements energy codes. Code officials can encourage builders to use HERS analyses to demonstrate compliance with energy codes, saving their departments time, money, and human resources.

E-Star provides code officials with a wealth of resources about energy codes, building science issues, and advancements in energy efficiency. E-Star industry experts are available to assist building departments throughout the process of adopting, implementing, and enforcing energy codes as well as understanding how a HERS program can support the work of code officials.