HomeMy WebLinkAbout1018 - ADOPTING Modified Building Energy Code Elements for the City of Boulder, Int.6/5/07RESOLUTION NO. 1018
A RESOLiTl'ION OF THE City Council of the city of Boulder Endorsing Modified
Building Energy Code Elements for the city oF Boulder
WHEREAS, the jurisdictions within Boulder County have historically demonstrated
leadership on issues related to the environment and quality of life within Boulder County and its
larger environs; and
WHEREAS, many of these jurisdictions have adopted goals to address greenhouse gas
reductions, energy conservation, and environmental sustainability; and
WHEREAS, many of these jurisdictions have conducted a greenhouse gas inventory,
indicating that significant county and municipal contributions to greenhouse gas emissions
derive from residential and commercial buildings; and
WHEREAS, the city of Boulder has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions
through building efficiency strategies oudined in the city's Climate Action Plan (CAP); and
WHEREAS, in 2005, the Boulder County Consortium of Cities established an Energy
Task Force with broad representation of elected officials, leaders, and knowledgeable
professionals, to investigate options to help the county move toward compliance with
environmentally-related goals and agreements; and
WHEREAS, the Energy Task Force established, and the Consortium of Cities endorsed,
the following mission statement: Recognizing that we face the threats and opportunities of an
uncertain energy future, the Boulder County Consortium of Cities seeks to create an energy-
secure, climate-safe, and economically vibrant society by encouraging and enabling our
communities to increase energy efficiency, make use of renewable energy, and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions; and
WHEREAS, the city of Boulder recognizes the economic opportunities and quality of
life benefits from ]eadership in the area of energy responsibility; and
WHEREAS, there are benefits to residents, builders, and code officials from general
uniformity and conformity of building codes and standards within the county; and
WHEREAS, the Intemational Code Council (ICC) building codes (versions 2000, 2003
and 2006) already serve as the basis for building codes within the majority of communities in
Boulder County; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the city of
Boulder, Colorado:
Section 1. The City of Boulder proposes to review and consider adoption of the 2006
ICC codes, including the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The city also
proposes to review and consider the following strategies relative to residential and commercial
building within city limits:
a. Non-residential buildings
i. Commercial: The city will investigate requiring a high
performance certification standard, such as LEED Gold or the equivalent, for
commercial buildings, including the earning of all or most of the available Energy
or Atmosphere points, or their equivalent. The city will also investigate requiring
energy efficiency standards that increase the energy performance of buildings
being permitted for remodels and additions.
ii. Public: In 2001, the city adopted a policy that all new construction
and significant renovations of city facilities shall be LEED Silver certified. This
policy was reinforced with the subsequent acceptance of the 2005 FAM Master
Plan. The city will investigate adopting a high performance certification standazd,
such as LEED Gold or the equivalent, for city-owned and city-funded buildings.
iii. Because the city's lazgest energy consumption is from its buildings, the
city's buildings will continue to be assessed for energy efficiency improvements.
The city will also investigate piloting a building for LEED for Existing Buildings
(EB).
b. Residential buildings:
i. The city will consider the adoption of an updated Green Points
program in 2007. This program will continue to be a model for other
communities.
ii. The city will work with other local governments [o ensure that its
green building programs use similaz language and approaches and, where
practical, that the city's requirements are similar to those of other local
governments.
iii. The city will consider requiring ENERGY STAR® rated
appliances or [heir equivalent and energy-efficient lighting fixtures and bulbs in
new residential construction.
Section 2. To help meet long-term goals for energy use and greenhouse gas reductions, the
city supports the establishment of a Boulder County Task Force to:
a. Develop strategies for meeting the "Net Zero by 2030 Challenge, as
endorsed by the American Institute of Architects, for new building construction.
Buildings account for forty-eight percent of U.S. energy consumption and generate far
more greenhouse gas emissions than any other sector. To achieve needed reductions in
greenhouse gases, the "2030 Challenge" has developed targets for all new and renovated
projects to increase efficiency to carbon neutral by 2030.
b. Work with local governments on developing countywide programs to
improve energy and building codes for new construction and renovations of residential
and non-residential structures, by seeking input from local government code officials.
c. Design amendments to the Green Points and other programs to encourage
conservation of electricity and natural gas in residential and non-residential buildings in
the county, including installation of energy-efficient process equipment, space
conditioning equipment, ENERGY STAR® rated appliances, and energy-efficient
lighting fixtures and bulbs.
ADOPTED this;5th day of 1~, ®07.
S`~_~
Mark Ruzzm, Mayor
ATTEST:
. ~ ~°~
City Clerkrk o~lf of the Director of
Finance and Record