The Mt. Crested Butte town council is taking significant steps to improve residential building energy efficiency. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote sustainability and climate action planning. During a work session held on December 17, the council discussed measures aimed at both exterior and interior energy conservation, going beyond the adoption of the 2021 Building Codes and the Colorado Model Energy Code.
Adoption of New Building Codes
Transition to 2021 Building Codes
The council had previously adopted the 2021 Building Codes and the Colorado Model Energy Code, which are designed to improve energy efficiency compared to the 2015 Building Codes. These updated codes include advanced building envelope standards, enhanced insulation requirements, and stricter energy performance metrics. The new codes will take effect on January 3 and are expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable construction practices.
Enhanced Standards and Requirements
The 2021 Building Codes introduce more stringent requirements for insulation, air sealing, and overall energy performance. These measures are intended to create more energy-efficient homes that require less energy for heating and cooling. By adopting these codes, Mt. Crested Butte aims to set a higher standard for new residential constructions, ensuring that they are built with sustainability in mind.
Proposals for Further Enhancing Energy Efficiency
Exterior Energy Mitigation
Exterior energy systems such as snowmelt systems, outdoor gas fireplaces, large hot tubs, and pools are notably energy-intensive. To address this, the council is contemplating implementing an Exterior Energy Offset Program (EEOP). Such programs are already in use in many Colorado mountain communities and aim to offset the excessive energy used by these systems, thereby mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
Justification and Potential Benefits
Hessler emphasized that certain exterior energy systems, like snowmelt systems, are particularly energy-intensive, using twice as much energy per square foot as indoor heating systems. A study cited by Hessler from the local Resource Engineering Group (REG) indicated that using snow removal equipment like snowblowers or plows is 100 times less carbon-intensive than employing snowmelt systems. This underscores the environmental and energy efficiency benefits of exploring alternatives to energy-intensive exterior systems.
Implementation of EEOP
The EEOP could include measures such as installing renewable energy systems like onsite solar panels as a form of onsite mitigation. If onsite mitigation proves unfeasible, an offset fee could be applied based on the energy use of the outdoor system. This fee would be calculated based on the cost of solar panels needed to offset the annual energy consumption of the exterior energy uses. Funds collected through these fees could then be allocated to various energy efficiency and renewable energy programs in Mt. Crested Butte.
Interior Energy Mitigation
Increasing Energy Efficiency Requirements
For interior energy mitigation, the council is considering increasing the energy efficiency requirements for new residential constructions and major renovations. The suggested measures include several tiered requirements, focusing particularly on either all new constructions or specifically larger single-family homes.
Energy Ratings and Assessments
A possible step could be requiring energy ratings using the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) and conducting energy assessments before issuing a certificate of occupancy. This would not necessarily mandate above-code efficiency but could incentivize more sustainable building practices by providing accurate assessments of a building’s energy efficiency. Moreover, this approach is beneficial for larger homes with complex designs and energy systems.
Higher Energy Performance Standards
Another significant option is to require new builds to meet higher energy performance standards. This would entail conducting energy modeling and achieving a percentage improvement upon the current building codes. The council would determine the required percentage improvement and the frequency of strengthening these requirements. This approach targets substantial enhancements in building envelope improvements, mechanical systems, and potential onsite solar installations.
Further Considerations and Discussions
Balancing Initiatives and Costs
The council agreed to have more work sessions in January to delve into the specific details of these interior and exterior energy mitigation programs. They debated starting with initiating the EEOP first or developing both the interior and exterior programs concurrently. Key considerations include determining the systems to mitigate, offset requirements, and utilization of offset mitigation funds.
Addressing Building Costs
Councilmember Steve Morris expressed clear support for implementing both initiatives, a sentiment echoed by others on the council. However, Councilmember Alec Lindeman highlighted the potential impact these plans might have on the cost of building in the town, pointing out that some people might be priced out from building due to increased costs.
Expanding the Scope
Tax or Mitigation for Unoccupied Homes
Councilmember Bobbie Sferra suggested implementing some form of tax or mitigation for energy-intensive houses that remain unoccupied for extended periods. The idea is to encourage homeowners to rent out such homes, thus optimizing energy usage.
Including Existing Buildings
In response, Councilmember Valeda Scribner raised a pertinent question about including existing buildings in the energy efficiency conversation. While currently focusing on new builds and renovations, existing buildings, many of which are older, also represent significant energy inefficiencies. Hessler acknowledged the difficulty but stressed the importance of addressing these inefficiencies eventually.
Current Partnerships
The town continues to collaborate with GV-HEAT, a program that works with residents to implement home energy efficiency upgrades. In 2024, GV-HEAT completed 15 retrofits in Mt. Crested Butte, evidencing the town’s ongoing commitment to improving energy efficiency in existing buildings.
Conclusion
The Mt. Crested Butte town council is making notable strides in enhancing energy efficiency in residential buildings. This effort forms a crucial element of a wider campaign to foster sustainability and advance climate action initiatives. On December 17, the council convened for a work session focusing on various strategies to improve energy conservation both inside and outside residential structures.
Moving beyond just enforcing the 2021 Building Codes and the Colorado Model Energy Code, the council is committed to implementing additional measures that address energy use comprehensively. This expanded approach includes discussions on adopting new technologies and practices that could further reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
The council recognizes that tackling energy efficiency is essential not only for reducing the town’s environmental footprint but also for lowering resident energy costs. By focusing on both exterior and interior aspects of building energy use, the council aims to create a more sustainable and economically viable community. Additionally, these measures can contribute to the town’s long-term goals of mitigating climate change impact and promoting green building standards.
The initiative aligns with national and global efforts to address environmental challenges, demonstrating the council’s forward-thinking approach. Through these concerted efforts, Mt. Crested Butte is positioning itself as a leader in energy efficiency and sustainability, setting an example for other communities to follow.
