Energy Code Pioneers
Among the growing number of jurisdictions adopting energy codes, some
stand out as pioneers. These jurisdictions took up the challenge of
adopting energy codes at an early date while implementing advances in
building science within their respective regions. Jurisdictions such
as the cities of Fort Collins and Longmont, and Pitkin County, have
been exemplary in their commitment to identifying and overcoming obstacles
to energy-efficiency and quality housing.
The City of Longmont
Longmont
was the first Colorado jurisdiction to adopt the International Energy
Conservation Code (1998 version) in early 2000. Longmont has remained
open-minded when considering conflicts between the existing building
code and advances in building science, expanding their codes to make
reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis.
The City of Fort Collins
In 1996, Fort Collins
responded to advances in building science, updating its codes to include
frost-protected shallow foundations and warm or unvented crawl spaces.
Fort Collins continued its pursuit of better residential energy-efficiency
and quality construction by undertaking the research and publication
of a study entitled, “Evaluation
of New Home Energy Efficiency: An Assessment of the 1996 Fort Collins
Residential Energy Code and Benchmark Study of Design, Construction
and Performance for Homes Built Between 1994 and 1999.” This study
was published in June 2002 by the City of Fort Collins Utilities and
the Building and Zoning department. The study indicates that systems
thinking, or house-as-a-system approach, is a major opportunity for
improving home performance. The City studied numerous energy features
in a random sample of homes built before and after their 1996 energy
code was implemented. Additionally, they visited and examined a sampling
of homes under construction and conducted interviews of builders and
homeowners. The study found improvements in some areas related to the
1996 code. At the same time, however, Fort Collins officials identified
outstanding and ongoing problems such as the need to seal ductwork with
a sealant (i.e., mastic), inadequately installed insulation, homes with
exceptional levels of air intrusion (i.e., homes that are not “tight”),
bulk water and vapor management issues, and poor levels of indoor air
quality. To address these problems, the City of Fort Collins (with E-Star’s
assistance), fostered the Fort Collins Stakeholder’s Group –
comprised of builders, the trades, and other interested parties –
that is a cooperative effort seeking to improve the quality of housing
in the Fort Collins area. At the same time, the City of Fort Collins
Utilities department and E-Star have undertaken a consumer education
effort, What to Look for in
a New Home so that homebuyers can identify important energy efficiency
and durability features of homes.
Pitkin County
Pitkin
County has taken a larger look at the issue of residential energy-efficiency
and instituted requirements to address the effects of individual homes
on the community. Builders of homes with certain high energy-use features
must either install extra energy-efficient appliances or renewable energy
equipment to offset that extra energy consumption, or contribute to
a fund that invests in such features elsewhere in the community. Pitkin’s
rule affects homes that are larger than 5,000 square feet or homes with
elements such as outdoor hot tubs, heated pools, or snowmelt systems
for sidewalks or driveways.
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