The Colorado Energy Office convened the first meeting of the Energy Code Board on April 27, 2025, to outline the development of the Low Energy and Carbon Code. The meeting focused on establishing a timeline for future discussions and emphasized the importance of public engagement throughout the code development process.
The meeting began with a review of the objectives, including understanding statutory requirements and the scope of the new code. Participants were reminded of open meeting requirements and the decision-making processes that will guide their work over the next year. The board aims to balance carbon emission reductions with housing affordability, a challenge highlighted by Will Tour, the executive director of the Energy Office. He expressed gratitude for the board members' commitment and acknowledged the technical complexities involved in achieving these goals.
Tour emphasized the need to explore various technical appendices from the 2021 and 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) to determine which elements could be integrated into Colorado's base code. This exploration is expected to be a significant and intellectually stimulating part of the board's work.
The meeting also included introductions from board members and a discussion on how to facilitate public engagement effectively. The board aims to ensure that community input is considered throughout the code development process, reflecting a commitment to equity and transparency.
As the meeting concluded, participants expressed enthusiasm for the collaborative effort ahead, recognizing the importance of their work in shaping Colorado's energy future. The board will continue to meet regularly to advance the development of the Low Energy and Carbon Code, with a focus on achieving both environmental and economic objectives.