In a pivotal meeting held by the Colorado Energy Office, significant updates to the Energy Code Board's Low Energy and Carbon Code were discussed, focusing on new energy savings requirements for buildings. The board announced that buildings equipped with fuel-burning appliances for heating or water heating must achieve at least a 20% reduction in annual energy costs compared to standard reference designs. In contrast, buildings without such appliances will only need to meet a 15% savings threshold.

For larger residences exceeding 5,000 square feet, the requirements become even stricter. These homes must reduce their annual energy costs by an additional 5%, resulting in a 25% savings requirement for those with fuel-burning appliances and a 20% requirement for all-electric homes. Additionally, the board introduced a new stipulation that the thermal conductance of a building's envelope cannot exceed 15% worse than the prescribed standards.

The meeting also touched on the complexities of transitioning from a cost-based energy model to one based on energy use. Board members acknowledged the challenges this shift would entail, particularly in terms of varying utility rates and the potential impact on compliance across different jurisdictions. While some areas have already adopted energy use intensity models, the board noted that no jurisdictions in Colorado have made this change yet.

The discussions highlighted the board's commitment to enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints in residential buildings. As jurisdictions prepare to adopt these new codes, the implications for construction practices and energy consumption in Colorado are expected to be significant. The board is set to continue refining these codes, with further updates anticipated in future meetings.