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Energy Code board shares equity committee recommendations focused on flexibility, insulation and alignment
Summary
The Colorado Energy Code Board reviewed recommendations from its equity committee urging more public engagement, procedural equity, insulation for equipment sited in unconditioned spaces, alignment with other building policies, and consideration of non‑energy benefits such as the social cost of carbon.
Allie, an Energy Office staff member, told the Colorado Energy Code Board that the equity committee met three times over six months to develop recommendations aimed at “procedural equity” in the code board’s process and code content.
The committee, Allie said, recommended that the board “continue focusing on those elements of flexibility, simplicity and alignment, and encouraging electrification where possible.” The group also urged the board to require insulation or other protection where heating, ventilation and air‑conditioning equipment is located in unconditioned space, rather than requiring equipment be moved into conditioned space.
Carolyn, a board member, sought clarification about the language on equipment in unconditioned spaces; she said the recommendation appeared to intend insulation for equipment sited in unconditioned space rather than forcing relocation. Tim, another board member, asked whether the committee provided criteria for identifying “low‑income communities and businesses” for any proposal tied to affordability; staff answered the recommendation was intentionally broad and intended to prompt board proposals addressing those impacts.
Board members and staff emphasized the committee’s request to account for non‑energy benefits—“social cost of carbon and costs associated with health and well‑being”—when the board evaluates affordability tradeoffs. Staff reiterated that the equity committee’s recommendations are advisory: a board member must pick them up and advance a formal proposal for code language changes.
The board said slides and detailed notes from the equity committee would be posted and encouraged members and stakeholders to submit targeted, code‑level proposals by the public deadline if they want the board to consider specific changes.
The equity committee’s recommendations were presented during the board’s public meeting and will be part of the record as members prepare amendment proposals ahead of draft revisions.
