Solar & Battery Regulation & Incentive Programs

City of Boulder - Green Points Building Program

Program Overview

Category:: Regulatory Policy
Program Type:: Building Energy Code
Implementing Sector:: Local
State:: Colorado
Eligible Storage Technologies:: Solar - Passive, Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Solar Photovoltaics, Comprehensive Measures/Whole Building, Custom/Others pending approval
Website:: https://bouldercolorado.gov/plan-develop/energy-conservation-codes
Residential Code:: New construction must be 14%-64% more efficient than 2012 IECC levels depending on building type and square footage (i.e., HERS score of 60 to 25)
Additions and remodels must be 5%-30% more efficient than 2012 IECC levels depending on building type and square footage (i.e., HERS score of 70 to 50)
Residential building permit applicants for new construction or renovations must also obtain an energy audit and meet Green Points Requirements
Commercial Code:: Required to exceed the energy efficiency requirements of ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1 Energy Standard for Building Except for Low-Rise Residential Buildings or 2012 IECC by at least 30 percent
Energy modeling is required for all commercial buildings over 20,000 sq. ft.
Applicable Sectors:: Commercial, Construction, Residential, Multifamily Residential
Last Updated:: 06/11/2020

Summary

Residential

The Boulder Green Points Building Program is a mandatory residential green building program that requires a builder or homeowner to include a minimum amount of sustainable building components based on the size of the proposed structure. Similar to the US Green Building Council's LEED program, the Boulder Green Points program awards points for a menu of sustainable building practices. Renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies are among the optional components a builder can use to earn points.

New construction projects also must show energy efficiency compliance through the Home Energy Rating System (HERS). The required HERS index varies according to the size of the dwelling.

Multi-family residential units are also included, and each dwelling in a multi-unit dwelling is required to meet the green point requirements separately.

The code was updated in 2017 and again in 2020.

ALTERATION LEVELS

Level 1 Alteration

Alteration with scope that includes the removal and replacement or the covering of existing materials, elements, equipment, or fixtures using new material, elements, equipment or fixtures that serve the same purpose.

Level 2 Alteration

Alteration with scope that includes the reconfiguration of space, the addition or elimination of any door or window, the reconfiguration or extension of any system, or the installation of any additional equipment.

Level 3 Alteration

Alteration where the work area exceeds 50% of the building area.

Level 4 Alteration

An alteration where the work area exceeds 50% of the building area, mechanical and lighting systems are substantially replaced, and the alteration meets the criteria of substantial structural alteration, including fenestration replacement.

Commercial

Commercial buildings in Boulder are required to meet the city’s Energy Conservation Code. The Code specifies that new commercial buildings and remodels must exceed the energy efficiency requirements of ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1 or 2012 IECC by at least 30 percent. The code was updated in 2017 and again in 2020.

Buildings larger than 20,000 square feet must demonstrate compliance through third party performance modeling that is approved by the city manager.