Lewisville councilman advocates for stronger Colorado energy conservation policies

In a pivotal meeting of the Colorado Energy Code Board, members gathered to discuss the future of energy efficiency and climate action in the state. Among the voices advocating for stronger policies was Josh Cooperman, a member of the Lewisville City Council, who passionately represented the interests of his community and the broader coalition of 43 towns and cities known as Colorado Communities for Climate Action (CC4CA).

Cooperman emphasized the critical role that energy conservation codes play in combating climate change, noting that greenhouse gas emissions from buildings—both residential and commercial—account for a significant portion of Colorado's overall emissions. He highlighted the importance of legislative measures like HB 23 13 62, which established the Energy Code Board, aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and promoting renewable energy sources while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Lewisville, under Cooperman's guidance, has been at the forefront of adopting robust building energy codes, being the first municipality in Colorado to implement the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code. This proactive stance reflects a commitment to improving air quality and reducing emissions through effective regulatory actions.

The councilman also pointed out the collaborative efforts with neighboring municipalities, such as Boulder and Lafayette, in developing regional energy codes. He expressed strong support for the Energy Code Board's ongoing work in creating a model low energy and carbon code, particularly praising its electric preferred provisions, which align closely with Lewisville's own standards.

However, Cooperman did not shy away from addressing areas for improvement. He raised concerns about the adequacy of the electric preferred provisions in section R40408 and criticized the optional appendices detailing an energy cost-based approach, arguing that they contradict the code's electric preferred focus.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the discussions held by the Energy Code Board are not just about regulations; they are about shaping a sustainable future for Colorado. The collaborative spirit and commitment to innovation displayed by local leaders like Cooperman signal a determined effort to tackle climate change head-on, ensuring that the state remains a leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.