Builders Should Be Aware of Upcoming Changes to Colorado Building Codes

Did you know, Colorado recently passed House Bill 22-1362, Building Greenhouse Gas Emissions? This bill attempts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions which are estimated to make up 14 percent of the state’s emissions. The Colorado energy office (office), the state agency charged with reducing greenhouse emissions and consumer energy costs, is tasked with creating model codes for municipalities in the state to adopt. Municipalities will have to adopt the model electric and solar ready code by January 1, 2025, and the model low energy and carbon code by January 1, 2030. Municipalities are not required to adopt the model green code but are encouraged to do so. Some municipalities have already adopted green codes that encourage the conservation of water, energy efficiency and address other environmental concerns.

Model Electric and Solar Code – Effective 1/1/2025

The first model code, model electric and solar code, looks to electrify new buildings by reducing the reliance on natural gas appliances and replacing them with electric appliances. The office will adopt codes that require new buildings have the electric capacity to support all electric appliances. New buildings will also have new roofing codes to encourage solar panel installation. These new codes will require that the roof has the structural load required for solar panels to be installed as well as the electrical capacity necessary.

Model Low Energy & Carbon Code – Effective 1/1/2030

The second model code, model low energy and carbon code will be based on either the 2021 or 2024 International Energy Conservation Code, depending on which is more energy efficient. The office is supposed to consult with municipalities, builders, and other stakeholders before adopting a code. The office can make the code less stringent if they deem it necessary. This code will look to replace natural gas and propane fuel usage in existing buildings and replace them with high efficiency electric appliances.

The new law will not just require new codes but will also provide grant opportunities to provide training on the new codes as well as grants to help pay for the cost of high-efficiency appliances. One million dollars has already been set aside to provide training on the new codes, and $22 million to encourage the implementation of these programs through grant programs. One grant program, the High Efficiency Electric Heating and Appliances Grant Program, will provide money to utilities, business, and other entities to assist with the costs of installing high efficiency appliances such as heat pumps, and can also be used for installing the electrical capacity for these appliances. These grants will help reduce the costs to transition to high efficiency appliances.

While it is unclear what the exact codes will look like, builders should be prepared to begin electrifying buildings in Colorado beginning in 2025. To access the entire bill, follow this link to the Colorado General Assembly. If you have questions about these upcoming code changes and the implications for your projects, please contact an attorney at Galvanize Law.