HomeMy WebLinkAboutResponse to Constituent Letter - Mail Packet - 09/09/2025 - Letter from Mayor Jeni Arndt to Energy Board re 2024 International Energy Conservation Code Adoption
Mayor
City Hall
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.416.2154
970.224.6107 - fax
fcgov.com
September 4, 2025
Energy Board
c/o Christie Fredrickson, Staff Liaison
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
Dear Chair Smith and Board Members:
On behalf of City Council, thank you for providing us with the September 2, 2025 memorandum
regarding the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code Adoption appendices. Thank you
for thoroughly reviewing the various changes and their associated impacts.
We understand that the Board recommends City Council approve the Code changes proposed by
City Staff for the reasons outlined in your memo.
City Council will be discussing the Building Code and Energy Code agenda item at the Work
Session on Tuesday, September 9, starting at 6:00 p.m. We encourage you to watch the session
via fcgov.com/fctv or in person at City Hall, 300 Laporte Ave., Building A as schedules permit.
Thank you for the expertise and perspectives that you bring to the Board and share with City
Council.
Best Regards,
Jeni Arndt
Mayor
/sek
cc: City Council Members
Kelly DiMartino, City Manager
Utilities – Energy Board
700 Wood St.
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6702
970.416.2208 - fax
fcgov.com
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: September 2, 2025
TO: Mayor Arndt and City Councilmembers
FROM: Brian Smith, Energy Board Chairperson
RE: 2024 International Energy Conservation Code Adoption
BACKGROUND
At our regular meeting on August 14, 2025, the Fort Collins Energy Board received an update on
Fort Collins Light & Power staff (Staff) proposed adoption of specific appendices from the 2024
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). This was presented by Brad Smith, Senior Project
Manager with Staff.
ENERGY BOARD DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS
The Energy Board has considered the proposed code adoptions as presented by staff in
accordance with our chartered duties and functions, specifically:
(1) To advise the City Council and staff regarding the development and implementation of the Our
Climate Future Plan (OCF);
(2) To advise the City Council and staff in developing City policies that encourage the incorporation
of energy conservation and efficiency, carbon emissions reduction and renewable energy into the
development and provision of City utility services, the design and construction of City
transportation projects, and the way in which the City impacts the overall built environment within
the community;
(3) To advise the City Council and staff regarding the alignment of energy programs and policies
with City, ratepayer and community values and service delivery expectations.
Overview
• The energy use of residential and commercial buildings accounts for 2/3 of the community
carbon emissions in Fort Collins. It will be very challenging to achieve the community’s climate
goals and improve local air quality without reducing emissions from new residential and
commercial buildings.
• Staff is proposing to adopt appendices from the 2024 IECC to help reduce emissions in new
residential and commercial buildings. This will be accomplished through performance
Docusign Envelope ID: 0AB02152-F584-4F2C-B4A4-23380B03C7A4
pathways for new construction that “meet specified site energy use and specified emissions
(i.e., fossil fuel) by building type.”
• Staff has been working with neighboring cities and counties to ensure regional alignment of
code adoption. According to staff, neighboring cities and counties are adopting the 2024 IECC
and potentially some with same appendices.
• Historically adoption of building energy codes and local amendments have improved the
ongoing operation of the built environment, including reduced ongoing energy costs and
improved air quality for owners and renters in Fort Collins. This code cycle, buildings will likely
recognize 5% reduction in energy use, adding up to substantial savings over the life of a
building.
• Eliminating wasteful electricity use in buildings at the time of construction will reduce upward
pressure on already increasing utility rates by reducing future need for additional electricity
generation.
RECOMMENDATIONS
• The Board recommends city council approve the proposed code changes by staff for the
following reasons:
o The proposed code amendment offers developers a performance path to achieve the
specified site energy use and emissions targets. The performance path provides
developers with greater flexibility to find the most cost-effective pathway towards
achieving compliance. This approach to code compliance is preferred over mandating a
prescriptive set of upgrades that can be cost prohibitive.
o The adoption of the code amendment will further regional alignment of codes and
maintain Fort Collins as a leader in code adoption.
o The adoption of the code will further reduce the cost of ownership and maintenance of
homes and commercial buildings. There are many upward pressures on the cost of
construction, however this board recognizes the long-term benefits will outweigh the
upfront costs.
o The adoption of the code is one of the primary regulatory actions council can take in
reducing emissions from buildings and will be an important, ongoing strategy in
achieving the community’s climate goals.
As always, the Energy Board is grateful for the opportunity to provide comment and appreciates
City Council’s consideration.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Energy Board,
__________________________
Brian Preston Smith
Energy Board Chairperson
cc: Brian Tholl, Energy Services Director
Brad Smith, Project Manager
Christie Fredrickson, Energy Board Support
Docusign Envelope ID: 0AB02152-F584-4F2C-B4A4-23380B03C7A4