Renewable energy appendix mandates new standards for commercial buildings

The Energy Code Board convened on April 27, 2025, to discuss the Low Energy and Carbon Code, focusing on the implementation of Appendix CC, which addresses renewable energy requirements for new commercial buildings. The primary goal of this appendix is to mandate the generation of renewable energy when new buildings increase their electric load on the grid.

The meeting began with a detailed explanation of the provisions within Appendix CC. It was clarified that any new building requiring electricity or fossil fuels must also incorporate renewable energy solutions to offset its energy consumption. However, exceptions were noted for buildings that are three stories or less, one and two-family dwellings, and structures that do not utilize electricity or fossil fuels.

Discussion ensued regarding the relationship between Appendix CC and existing requirements for on-site renewable energy in the base code. It was highlighted that certain residential buildings, specifically those classified as R2 and R3, are not covered under the mandatory photovoltaic (PV) section, which is applicable to commercial buildings. This distinction was important for understanding the scope of the renewable energy requirements.

The board members reviewed the prescriptive requirements for renewable energy generation, which specify the kilowatt hours needed per square foot of conditioned space annually. For instance, in Climate Zone 5B, a restaurant would need to produce 125 kilowatt hours of renewable energy per square foot each year. This requirement aims to offset the total annual energy use of the building, with options for compliance either through a prescriptive table or a performance pathway using energy modeling.

A significant update from the previous code version was noted, as many Energy Use Intensity (EUI) values had been reevaluated, affecting the on-site renewable energy requirements. This change reflects a broader effort to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability in building practices.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of these updates in promoting renewable energy integration in new commercial constructions, setting a precedent for future energy codes in Colorado. Further discussions and follow-up actions are anticipated as the board continues to refine these regulations.