The Colorado Energy Office is ramping up its public engagement efforts for the upcoming Low Energy and Carbon Code, as discussed in the second meeting of the Energy Code Board on April 27, 2025. The board is set to implement a comprehensive public engagement plan aimed at enhancing community involvement in the decision-making process surrounding energy codes.

Key to this initiative is a new introductory webinar designed to inform the public about the engagement process and how they can participate. This marks a shift from previous methods, which primarily relied on a Google form for public comments and code proposals. The board plans to hold three public engagement meetings where community members can provide direct feedback on their concerns and aspirations regarding the energy code.

The engagement strategy follows a spectrum from simply informing the public to empowering them in decision-making. The board aims to not only collect input but also to actively involve the public in discussions, ensuring their voices are heard and reflected in the final decisions. This collaborative approach is expected to foster a deeper understanding of the code's implications and gather diverse perspectives from various stakeholders, including advocacy organizations and local governments.

Board member Carolyn emphasized the importance of creating spaces for collaboration, suggesting that specific sessions could be held to engage with professionals from the architectural and regulatory sectors. This would help identify potential challenges in implementing the new code.

As the board prepares to roll out these engagement opportunities, they are also considering how to effectively communicate these initiatives to the public, ensuring widespread awareness and participation. The anticipated outcome is a more inclusive process that not only informs but also empowers the community in shaping Colorado's energy future.