TC Resolution 25-05 Adopting the Regional Net Zero Roadmap to Achieve Net Zero Construction by 2030A
Avon
COL08AD0
RESOLUTION 25-05
ADOPTING THE REGIONAL NET ZERO ROADMAP TO
ACHIEVE NET ZERO CONSTRUCTION BY 2030
WHEREAS, the Avon Town Council ("Council') is committed to addressing the urgent
challenges of climate change by adopting strategies that reduce carbon emissions, promote
sustainability, and enhance the resilience of our community, and is committed to achieving a
net -zero future for the benefit of both current and future generations; and
WHEREAS, Council has adopted a goal to reduce community -wide GHG emissions 50% by
2030 and 80% by 2050 compared to the 2014 baseline year, and recognizes that achieving this
goal requires decarbonization of all new and existing buildings within Avon; and
WHEREAS, Council believes that achieving net -zero operational emissions for all new
construction by 2030 is not only possible but essential to mitigate climate change and create
long-term benefits for our community, including public health, economic opportunities,
equity, innovation, and long-term environmental stewardship; and
WHEREAS, Council acknowledges that regional collaboration and alignment in achieving
the goals of the Regional Net Zero Roadmap will maximize the benefit of collective efforts
and promote equitable solutions for all communities; and
WHEREAS, Council is committed to ensuring that all members of our community,
particularly those most vulnerable to climate impacts, benefit from the transition to a net zero
built environment; and
WHEREAS, Council finds that implementation of the Regional Net Zero Roadmap will
promote the health, safety and general welfare of the Avon community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN OF AVON that the Avon Town
Council adopts the Regional Net Zero Roadmap, with the goal of achieving net -zero operational
emissions for new construction by 2030, as a key component of our Town's climate action
strategy.
ADOPTED FEBRUARY 25, 2025 by the AVON TOWN COUNCIL
By: Attest:
Tvnra K Underwood, Mayor Miguel Jaurej
Resolution No. 25-05
February 25, 2025
Page 1 of 1
:SEAL:
ueva, Tow lick
0
i
N
E
_01)
7
r
0
O U
L.
0 a
N a••+
O
O
<D
�D
2
<D
�D
a-J
Q i
- O
O C:
U) C: (1) > —
O O Q '> O UO
00 _0
U 4-J 4-� —
%%'� , 0Ec 0-
� .� O � O U m 00
• '� N O
E � � �
cn > 0 "� >,
Q-cn0 NU
0O
Q O O U �p �, �
O N U m 0-0
_ ��
Uo o �7
�O o�L J:3 O���
0
N
60 O� o (n0U�� o0
N Z o0 �o �-� �� J
��� F�U) O
O o.- a.g ooc) o�
U,� UQ �� >p
Q — — U —
CLO 4w a- -
oo 0o o-E o0m
-C) �OQN N a--0U a-.0
0 a 0 0 9•
(D
O
CL
a
O�
�D
N-C
_.
-0
(D
3
3
FOP
OMP
�O
O
�
0
0ry
_.
�D
�
y
�D
3
o
O
_
m
rom
IV
Zr
=
(D
O
=
O
O•
W
Q
N
on
0
�
m
O
<���
(D:�
y
n
k
y
�,•
a
rql
co
rip
F+n
M
o
3
3
-5
r.
CL
C�=i]
m O
n Q
m
<
(D
(D (DQ
Q
(D
Q
•
rip
OO�
O
Q
(D 0
00
:CL
O <
CL
Cr
i.
FL
Q
n
O
CL
0)
0
a
0
4
0 �0
n __ O
Cr
-''CQ. O
O O
3
O
N
(D Q
'rt r* (D
N G
O (D tD
CC)O O
N
O
W 07 rep
O �
Q
Cn �
r--f (D
CL
O�
:37ml
O
00
On
Q_ 7
(D
Q 10
W-1
n
(D
O
CQ �
00
0- :3
(D ZT
. CO
((DD
N
O
4
3.
�
(D
3
O
O
�
Q
((DD
(ND
O
Q
O
Q_
CD
CT
O
w
O
z
ID
rr
N
(D
ml
n
0
rML
(1)
m
0
a
CL
3
c
0
a
N
CL0
a
a
0
lz
0
as
N
m
z
q.
�m
u E
C
O
v
.
N
s N
E_
°
Va
a
a
n
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
O
O—
O
rr'
—
O
O
O
O
Q
O
0
0
O
G)
O
O
DC
O
O
O
O
0
0
0
O
�:
<
O
(D
Q
=
(D
Q
�G
�
Q
CO
Q
cn
O
y
G
\<
(p
Q
O
O
n
3
QQQ
-ham
o
c
(D
<
CQ
Q
cn
�Q
(D
�
d
U
N
O O
�
� C/)
70
cc
O
�Qo
'-
O N
-O
O
N
O
O
4-
C-
U
O
m
`U
N
o
•d
• � O O
U
p
c
W
N
3
O
•
•
U)
N
'U
• •
U
vi
p
-J
4
a)
0- N
N
O
a)�
c
+,
c
c
Q
E
O
U 0 00
V
O
U
CD
N O
O
LO
�
O
s
�
l"m
Ld'i
0
0
�
0
�
3
0
n
3(c
;a
O
—•
F-tto
0
m
(a
3
m
CD
-.
I-<
3
:3
O
ND.
r-tO
ml
CA)
CQ
0
%<
x
Q (D
�D
00
(
F•o
m
NCO
M
(D
CD
0
m
=I
Q_
Q
O-
CQ
07
U)
0
r-l�
CA)
Q
O
r-t-
CD
•
CD
:3 0
CD 0
0
CD
e---N:3
M CD
Q�
CD CD
Q
Q
3•
00
0
rl
CQ
D 0
CD CD 0
Q0
CQ -t
CD
e--N:3
;0 CD
Q
07
CD
n
Q
0
rol
Rl
T
U) •�
p o 7 �
•� _
4w •— 0) 4-J C3
_ 7C3 o
0 y U
0 a� OU 'a
�■+ � oO
r E.)� %
>% ` - �
_ 0 p O N
V �
_� •i O U _�
G� ,O U •—
�= a)� w
U
r C5
0
O >
ZV • - �' f� V� U �' W
vo Q
_ cY)
•— o
LL 0 N
141"20
As
•
•
�_j
I
N
O
CA)
O
1-4
y
Ln
O
N o
O D (D
CSl 07 =
O -.< G)
ml%
o
o
�O
3
rt
3
zr
0
N
CD
Or*
:3OCDO
r*
O
Q
o
•O
1
3—+%
O
CD -0
D
O
O
O
rr+
�
CD
n�
r-r
41
t
H
O�
(D��
rF
0O(D(D-0
_Zr
M(D(D
tQ
Q
cD -•:r
U�O�rt
0
cr
m•tD�
�
ADO3
`�
=�
O
O
Mi
O
�
FOP
:r
N
• y
CD
�D
0.
O
p
�D
J
0
.1J
CD
CL
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Q1 Q O
�
(D
< Q m
CQ
(D
0-0
Q
-%
(D
(D
:3
C
(D
(D m (D
Cn _.
�(DCDDQ(2.((DD
cn
(((nnQ��
(DCQ
�D
n Q'
cn
CQ r-+
: p
(D
((DD cOn
O
,--r
(D
CQ
(D
<K<7CN'0zm m 5 w 0
<OQ2cn()OQ(D
=N ZT-< +(D =—Qn Q (D
O DEN ��� pp(�D (D � n D (0--%U) � CD O
r-► (� m � O CQ Q � _ (D
DAD �� Q —•cn (D �
0 -r (D N �_CCDD CQ � (DQ_ _
oCo k n �_. (D CQ
(n Q co
Q O.
n
Q
(D
Q
r-r
co
LE
N
�CD
i
Q
d
x
O
N
d
N
C
N
O
1
p
U
O
Y
N
O
O
��
O
Q
07
00
Q
O
• 3 3
o C �
O� < 0 CD 0 CL :r
0 CD �•
�� 0
Qt-tw rn 3 z)
o � N CD
'� o CO N
07 0o Q rol
a' O o 0 N
ro
7 O- O
cQ O 0 3 !"F
cD CD
0 � FOP
c�
0 D 0 �
Q ' N n -a 0rML
,V o (DQ
O
m �' C)7 < (D
0(D
n :) o
O (D% : O
Q N ^
O O co �+
o 3 cD N 0
O o 0 0 0
Z) c
CA 3 O (D
rt
O
cq
O
N
t
a
am
d
t
H
a 0
Q
(D
'G
Q. 3
Q
�•
O
C
<•
(a3mo•
-0 7
Q
3 ,,
r
p
0
N
n
rr —•
�.
(D
SD
r
,
!
}
(D
rh
/n
!
(D
Q
Q
O
cn
Q (D
O O
+1
r
!
i
1
i
r
rr
}D
(D
l.l.
3
O
CD
O
}rJ
h
rN'f
O
^O
}
a
1
r*
r^--h
�mm
. `
(D
O
cn
(D O
C �
(D cn
Q Q
(D
Q
cn
rr
O
Q
CQ
(D
(D o
C.
(D
Q �
(D
Q
cn
/-'
^O
(D
tLml
1
m
m
a
O
m
n
(D
• 1 •
m Q Q
0 CmQ/D Q
}
O ZT (D
O
m 3 n
cD•
O
Q <
n (D
(D
�G
m Q
0 CQ Q
(D rr
O (D
Oh
m 3
m
(D
Q
n <
(D CD
•
m
n
rf-
(D
h
(D
(D
W1
1
•
IIIIIIIE
w
N
O
N
v
O
N
O
W
O
m
C)
N
I-0
a
n
N
W
0
c•
(D
O
O few-
0
4)
N
a•+
,11111111
I,f11
si11111/
i
C 11
W 1 1
/
1 1
V 1
/ 1
/ 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 f
1 /
1 ,
1 ,
1 ,
1 ,
1 ,
1 ,
11, 1 /
1 ,
1 1 1
1 ,
1
1 , 1
1 1
1 1 1
1 1 1
1 1 1
1 1 1
1 1 1
1 1 1
1 1 1
1 f 1
1 1 1
1 1 1
� 1 1
/ 1
1 / 1
1 f 1
1 1 /
1 1
1 1 1
1 1 1
1 1 1
1 �
1 1 1
1 1 1
1 1 1
1 1 1
1 1
1 1 1
1 1 1
1 1 1
/ / 1
1 1
1
1 1
� / 1
1 1 1
1 � 1
1 1
1 1
1 1 1
/ 1 1
1 1 1
1 1 1
-OE�
1
E
O
'
v
i.i
-1
CD
Q :
a
0 �•
O
Q
(D
y.
O•
�(
CL
3,
Q C
rp c
0 W
�* 3
—
(D '3'0
N N
C
Cr
rD.
r
(nV
� O
C �
(D
Q_ Q
Om
Q_
Q_
U)
P_+
O
Q
CQ
(D
•
n Q p
< Q (D Prt Q
r+ O (D Q_
r,•
N
O � O
t—f Q (D
(D O
Q
D
D
(D
rZ37
m_
O
(D
(D
0
O'
(�
`G
(D
O
<
X
n
CD
O
cn
m
O�
Q
D
Q
m
0
0
0
�,
0
m
m
i 3
O
N
n
(D�
n
-v
-z
(D
CCD
O
Q_
Q
(D
<
N
P,
E
N
O
O
N
-0
O0
N i
i:(
FFi
n
n
AN
N
O�
•
m
•
N
O
N
v
O
N
O
w
O
m
0
m
E
�L
U) 4-
4W 410
II
7C3
v N
T
0
co=
_
a--J
CL
ago ��o•�
QJca
E \
0
0
o - Y h
N�,o Now
4�
0
E
<a
� W �
N 7
(D
(D N CQ
Q I N
m D
3 N
i
cn (Cn (0
W
3
1
X
(D
a
7'
m
FA,
y
O
Cn
Metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
N
A
O
O
O
N
A
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
C N
•_*•Nto
� � e
(D Q Q
� N C
fD
a 5• 3
(D Q O
O (D 3
NO 3
<D
M
CL
FOP
�•
O
m
a
i
0
a
d
> W
v o LLB 0
L
4-0w 0
4%
i
}0 L
/
E7.co
mo7�
W
+'
m
�
I
/
I
/
I
/
I
/
I•
O
NJ
/
"
I
i
o
�
O
O O O
O
d
� O Q
0000
-4
� CD ON
1-I a -I 1-4
O
a--1
00
l�D -zr rN
lualeninba apixoip uogjeo;o suol oijlaW
0
Ln
0
N
Ln
8
O
O
N
O
ro
O
N
Ln
N
0
N
0
N
O
N
O
N
N
q
W
4-J
C:
-
o
■�
�
L�
CD
a `L
•
a
. -
1/
�/
O
a
......
o�
D
8
\
_
rn
C
v
,v
O
cl
LU
uw
0
40
r
_
�
o
.>
-
U
ry
i
W
LU
CD
r)
O
V
V
u•
•
•
Z
�D
N
(D
MT
C
El
f� `f
o
a�
3
0
..
U
w
�
N
O
O
3
t
a+
a
am
d
t
H
• � a • • =t
ca 0
Q(n CL 3
= p CD CD 0 O p p �
con
CD 3 � cD (D
O + Q r* cn (D 0 3 (,-n+ :03 00 C:
= CD Q ,� ,rt3 _, 3 FOP
C2. n, '� Q CD CD 3f.P, � _ 0
(a =I
Q o �Q03 o�
z : O Q 'rt3 3
Q
Q
N 3 CD Q Q 7
CD C
0
O 0 � O 3 CD O
;aO O Q(D n N
O a :3 Q O
a Cr (D 3 3
-� QMT 3
�� y
�CQ
Qca
CD O CCD Q
-% O
O r 11
r Q Q
r-r r,.t O N O
O O CD Q
O �
O
((D Q ^ O
:3 Q
Q cn
4
�J
LJ
O
A.
N
3
N
=
y
n
:r
FOP
b
O
3
Jl l
m<
O
A Regional Roadmap
for a New Net Zero
Redefining Net Zero and
Aligning New Construction
Codes in the Eagle River
and Roaring Fork Valleys
November 2024
Photo courtesy of Daniel Bayer Photography, provided by the Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE).
Why We Need a Net Zero New Construction Roadmap...................................................... 1
Introduction........................................................................................................................................................ 2
ANew Net Zero................................................................................................................................................. 3
ResidentialRoadmap.................................................................................................................................. 4
CommercialRoadmap.............................................................................................................................. 5
2027 and 2030 Re-Evaluation................................................................................................................ 6
Equity...................................................................................................................................................................... 7
GreenWorkforce Development.......................................................................................................... 9
FutureWork......................................................................................................................................................... 11
Appendix A: Net Zero Roadmap Participants.............................................................................. 12
AHJ - Authority Having Jurisdiction
CAC - Climate Action Collaborative
CORE - Community Office of Resource Efficiency
CLEER - Clean Energy Economy for the Region
EEOP - Exterior Energy Offset Program
EV - Electric Vehicle
HVAC - Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
REMP - Renewable Energy Offset Program
PV - Photovoltaic
�.L
Why We Need a Net Zero New
Construction Roadmap
Our mountain region is facing increasing climate threats as Statewide climactic
changes warm our local climate. The local governments in the Eagle River and
Roaring Fork Valleys recognize this threat and have established strong goals to
ensure we reduce our local carbon emissions to secure a vibrant and resilient
future for our communities.
The Net Zero New Construction Roadmap (Roadmap) is a local government and
utility staff -led effort to identify how we can achieve zero carbon emissions for
all new buildings, in line with our climate action goals, by 2030, while
maintaining housing affordability, and bolstering our local workforce to deliver
on these objectives.
Through this collaborative effort, we defined what "net zero" truly means for our
mountain region, providing a clear path for local governments to adopt energy
codes that will achieve net zero newly constructed buildings by 2030. This
unified approach ensures that our region will effectively tackle climate
challenges while fostering economic growth and sustainability.
Photo courtesy of Daniel Bayer Photography, provided by the Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE).
.L
In 2024, a Cohort of building department and sustainability staff, sustainability
and building code experts, and local utility company representatives from
communities within the Roaring Fork and Eagle River Valleys convened to
develop a Net Zero New Construction Roadmap (Roadmap) for new residential
and commercial buildings. This effort aims to encourage a regionally
consistent building code that will progress toward eliminating greenhouse gas
emissions from newly constructed buildings, support the local workforce, and
improve overall housing affordability.
The Roadmap plays an important role in supporting Colorado's ambitious
climate goals of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 and 90% by 2050. While it
contributes significantly to these objectives, it is part of a broader strategy that
will be necessary to meet the comprehensive emissions reductions needed in
the built environment. The Roadmap also aligns with local climate action
plans that prioritize emissions reductions, particularly focusing on the
emissions impact of new construction.
This Net Zero New Construction Roadmap provides a stepped approach for
local governments to use as a guide for adoption of energy codes and
beyond -code programs for future building code adoption cycles, with the end
goal of adopting and enforcing a code standard that achieves new net zero
buildings by 2030.
The Roadmap includes core elements that address carbon emissions of new
buildings and phase out fossil fuel systems. The core elements of the
Roadmap include energy efficiency, electrification, energy storage, renewable
energy, and demand response. While the Roadmap does not explicitly address
embodied carbon and electric vehicles, these are encouraged to be
additional considerations for each jurisdiction as they update their energy
codes between now (2024) and 2030.
2
A New Net Zero
During discussions, the cohort recognized that a net zero building can mean
many different things to different types of stakeholders. As a result, the cohort
agreed on a unique description of a net zero building that everyone in the
region can work toward. In addition, the region represented in this Roadmap is
served by electric utilities rapidly on their way to supplying 100% renewable,
carbon -free electricity [1]. This fundamental shift in our regional energy supply,
led by our progressive electric utilities, allowed the Cohort to envision what
"net zero" means if the electric grid is supplying the clean energy a building
needs, rather than each individual building producing it itself.
For the purposes of this roadmap and the region, a net zero building is a
building that has the following attributes:
• Is powered by electricity;
• Uses renewable energy from the grid and/or onsite generation;
• Has the ability to store energy and/or shift energy use to reduce peak
demand on the electric grid;
• Achieves energy performance above base International Energy
Conservation Code;
• Is designed to minimize embodied carbon; and
• Is EV-ready.
3
RESIDENTIAL New Construction Roadma
P
Step A
Step B•
Suggested time frame: 2024-2026
Suggested time frame: 2026-2029
Adapt the State Minimum Code (HB22-1362):
Adopt the 2021 or 20241ECC base code and the
State Low Carbon and Energy Code based on
Adopt the most recent IECC. Identify above
Energy Efficiency
required state Electric and Solar Ready Code, at
the 2024 IECC or the 2027 IECC. Note: The new
code options to drive additional residential
a minimum.
state minimum is required for jurisdictions
energy efficiency as necessary.
updating building codes starting July 1, 2026.
Home Size
Threshold
Higher energy efficiency must be demonstrated in homes over a certain size.
Electric -preferred code to encourage
All -electric with exceptions for gas
Electrification
electrification of new buildings, along with,
supplemental heat, emergency generators,
All -electric with no OR rare exceptions as
electric -readiness for all energy end uses In a
and other items as decided by AHJs or building
decided by AHJs or building officials.
building.
officials.
Utilize the REMP or EEOP Programs to incentivize
battery storage. For AHJs requiring PV for new
Utilize the REMP or EEOP to incentivize battery
Utilize the REMP or EEOP to incentivize battery
Energy Storage
buildings, energy storage is strongly
storage. Energy storage is required if a new PV
storage. Energy storage is required if a new PV
encouraged or incentivized to be installed with
system is installed.
system is installed.
the PV system.
Renewable Energy
Solar is required to offset remaining 'non-
Pathwayl:
Solar is required. If solar is installed, energy
renewable' energy being consumed from the
For jurisdictions with
storage is required to be installed with the PV
electric grid.
Solar -readiness is required.
existing Solar
Requirements
system.
If solar is installed, energy storage is required
Solar installation is optional, as long as utilities
with the PV system.
have accomplished 100% renewably powered
grid.
Renewable Energy
Pathway2:
Solar -readiness is required.
If solar is installed, energy storage is required to
For jurisdictions with
Solar -readiness is required.
If solar is installed, energy storage is required
be installed with the PV system.
existing Solar -Ready
with the PV system.
Requirements
Demand Response
None,
Demand response controls for electric water
heaters are required (per state law CRS 6-7.5-
Demand response controls for electric water
101-110, effective Jan 1, 2026)
heaters and for thermostats are required.
'See 2027 & 2030 Re-evaluation
COMMERCIAL New Construction Roadmap
Step A
Step s•
Suggested time frame: 2024-2026
Suggested time frame: 2026-2029
Adopt the State Minimum Code (HB22-1362):
Adopt the 2021 or 2024 IECC base code and the
Low Carbon and Energy Code based on the
Adopt the most recent IECC. Identify above
Energy Efficiency
required state Electric and Solar Ready Code, at
20241ECC or the 2027 IECC. Note: The new state
code options to drive additional commercial
a minimum.
minimum is required for jurisdictions updating
energy efficiency.
building codes starting July 1, 2026.
Electric -preferred code to encourage
All -electric with some exceptions as decided
All -electric with rare exceptions as decided by
building officials. Note. Evaluate all rare
AHJselectrification
Electrification
of new buildings, along with
by AHJs or building officials 4$ Adopt a
exceptions
excepttions prior to adoption rif ensure they are
electric -readiness for all energy end uses in a
stronger electric -preferred standard with
relevant based how electrification
building.
increased efficiency requirements.
evolved
technology has evolved.
Utilize the REMP or EEOP to incentivize battery
storage. For AHJs requiring PV for new buildings,
Utilize the REMP or EEOP to incentivize battery
Utilize the REMP or EEOP to incentivize battery
Energy storage
g
energy storage is required to be installed with
storage. Energy storage is required if a new PV
g gy g q
storage. Energy storage is required if a new PV
g gy g q
the PV system.
system is installed.
system is installed.
Solar is required to offset remaining "non -
Renewable Energy
renewable' energy being consumed from the
Pathway 1:
Solar is required on commercial buildings over
electric grid for commercial buildings over
Solar -readiness is required.
For jurisdictions with
5,000 sq ft. If solar is installed, energy storage is
5,000 sq ft.
existing Solar
required to be installed with the PV system.
Solar installation is optional, as long as utilities
Requirements
If solar is installed, energy storage is required to
have accomplished 100% renewably powered
be installed with the PV system.
grid.
If solar is installed, energy storage is required to
Renewable Energy
Pathway2:
Solar -readiness is required.
For jurisdictions with
Solar -readiness is required.
If solar is installed, energy storage Is required to
be installed with the PV system.
existing Solar -Ready
be installed with the PV system.
Requirements
Demand response controls for some electric
Demand Response
None.
water heaters are required (per state law CRS
Demand response controls for all electric water
6-7.5-101-110, effective Jan 1, 2026 for small
heaters and for thermostats are required.
commercial applications 40-120 gallons).
'See 2027 & 2030 Re-evaluation
This Roadmap is based on the current understanding of net zero strategies,
costs, policies, technology, and utility support, all of which may evolve before
2030. To meet the Roadmap's goals, ongoing collaboration and re-evaluation
during each code cycle are essential. Communities and utility representatives
should reconvene with technical and workforce experts ahead of 2027 and
2030 code cycles to review renewable energy, energy storage, and demand
response elements, aligning on new data, state policies, and regional
standards.
Renewable Energy: As utilities integrate more large-
scale renewables, the role of onsite solar may shift to
resiliency, and changes in net metering rules or
financial incentives could affect adoption.
Energy Storage: Rapid advancements in energy
storage may influence utility incentives and grid
E*7D management needs, shifting demand between
residential and commercial systems by 2030.
Demand Response: With rising demand from
L electrification and EVs, demand response may, over
time, become more important for balancing grid
supply, keeping energy affordable, and maintaining
reliability of the electrical grid.
There is a need to address equity in building energy policy development and
implementation, recognizing that inefficient and outdated buildings unfairly
impact equity -priority community members and businesses. Homes or other
buildings, when built poorly or to old energy code standards, lead to higher
energy bills, poor indoor air quality, and increased health risks. As building
technologies improve and the electric grid becomes cleaner, there is an
opportunity to build net zero from the start. Doing so can lower energy costs,
improve health outcomes, and ensure that no community member is left
behind with older, polluting systems in the places where our community lives,
works, and plays.
The Roadmap development process identified key equity concerns, one of
which was a desire to minimize upfront costs of new construction, which could
support more accessible and affordable housing for community members in
each valley, while ensuring new construction meets high efficiency standards.
Through case studies from new buildings across the three county region and
other Colorado mountain communities, it's been shown that all -electric, high
efficiency new buildings are feasible without a higher price tag if the design
and intent to build net zero is a goal from the start [2]. Proposed solutions to
ensure housing affordability does not come at the sacrifice of energy
efficiency include expanding green financing options for affordable net zero
housing or using the permitting process to reduce fees or review time for all -
electric and/or energy -efficient buildings.
7
Electrification emerged as a critical equity issue as well. Electrification offers
significant health benefits by eliminating indoor pollution from gas -powered
systems through the installation of highly efficiency, all -electric systems that
also lower operational costs. However, participants noted that without energy
efficiency measures, inefficient electrification could increase utility costs for
low-income families. Because of this, our Roadmap to Net Zero includes
regular updates to the International Energy Conservation Codes, which will
ensure high performing envelopes and high efficiency systems will enable
beneficial electrification for all community members.
It was noted through this effort that the project scope limited the Cohorts
ability to engage with members of the public who are experiencing energy
burden in our communities. As the Roadmap implementation advances and
each subsequent code cycle is adopted, inclusive engagement with low
income and underrepresented groups will be crucial in shaping building
energy codes that delivers equitable outcomes for everyone.
Photo courtesy of the Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE).
8
Achieving net zero new construction by 2030 relies on a skilled
workforce proficient in green building practices, including energy -
efficient systems, renewable energy, energy storage, and electrification.
Addressing existing workforce gaps and planning for future growth is
essential to reducing carbon emissions and meeting future demands.
A 2024 study by Inclusive Design Group (IDG) on green building
workforce development in Pitkin, Eagle, and Garfield Counties found a
significant shift toward green building within skilled trades, revealing
strong demand for expertise in weatherization, insulation, and heat
pump installation. Meeting this demand is crucial for the Roadmap's
net zero goals, particularly in areas with lower wages where demand for
skilled tradespeople is higher. Key strategies to enhance green
workforce development include:
• Expanding Skilled Trades: Workforce initiatives should focus on
training existing workers in new technologies and techniques
needed for net zero buildings, especially as building codes evolve.
• Creating Partnerships: Educational institutions, such as Colorado
Mountain College and local high schools, play a critical role in
developing future green building professionals.
• Incentivizing and Funding Training: Scholarships for apprenticeship
programs and skills training will be vital for rapidly developing the
green workforce.
In addition, community nonprofits
focused on climate solutions in our
region, including Walking
Mountains (Wm), Community Office
of Resource Efficiency (CORE), and
Clean Energy Economy for the
Region (CLEER) conducted "Listen &
Learn" sessions to gather industry
insights on the Roadmap.
w
Key themes from these discussions show support for the goals of this Roadmap
and highlight the regional challenges we may face as these goals advance:
Code Adoption and Alignment: Participants stressed the need for
consistent building codes across jurisdictions to avoid confusion
and streamline approvals and support industry in understanding
and complying with the code requirements. Companies
emphasized it cannot be the responsibility of the private sector to
convince customers to go net zero. If the code requires net zero,
local businesses can get there.
Workforce Development and Housing Challenges: Finding and
retaining skilled local workers remains challenging due to high
housing costs and low wages.
Electrification and Affordability: Affordability concerns regarding
electrification costs in new construction and retrofits were noted,
45 highlighting the need for balancing cost considerations while
pursuing electrification. It was also noted, by a local contractor
that heat pump installations are at an all time high in our
mountain community, including in multifamily buildings.
Technological Challenges: Participants expressed perceived
concerns about grid readiness for electrification and the
availability of suitable technology in the area to meet
electrification goals. Note: Despite these concerns, through
extensive engagement with the local utilities serving the region,
the utilities that participated (Appendix A) emphasized that the
grid is ready for electrification.
Community Involvement & Education: Ensuring net zero
initiatives benefit all community members is essential, especially
across the large income gaps in our community. Increased
community education and engagement in policy shaping will be
essential so the building industry knows why codes are moving to
net zero and can support these goals.
These insights underline the importance of workforce development,
technological readiness, and equitable access as the region works towards
net zero goals. Consistent building codes are crucial for reducing confusion
and advancing sustainability efforts equitably across communities.
10
The Regional Net Zero Roadmap defines a pathway to adopt regionally
consistent codes for net zero construction by 2030. Achieving this goal requires
ongoing collaboration among sustainability and building department staff
within local governments, as well as community members in the building
industry. Next steps include:
Continued collaboration: Convene the cohort or regional partners
before each code cycle to align on net zero amendments, share
lessons, and establish new regionally consistent code standards
in alignment with this Roadmap. With support from local
nonprofits, reconvene the Mountain Building Code Officials group
and work with CORE, CAC, and CLEER to provide regional officials
with necessary training and resources.
Review funding opportunities: Identify state or other grants to
fund cohort facilitation, resource development, and cost studies.
Additional funds could support local Community -Based
Organizations (CBOs) and bolster compliance efforts in building
departments.
Provide regular updates and share resources: CORE, CAC, and
CLEER should give regular updates on code progress to ensure
that all communities stay informed. Communities should also
exchange insights, studies, and data to support collaborative
code development.
Turn focus to existing buildings: After adopting the net zero code
for new construction, expand efforts to improve energy efficiency
and reduce emissions in existing buildings. Work with CORE, CAC,
and CLEER to evaluate equitable retrofitting incentives, set
performance benchmarks, and explore policies for broader
climate goals.
77
Net Zero Roadmap Participants
Project Manager
• Lotus Engineering & Sustainability
Local Governments
• Town of Avon
• Town of Basalt
• Town of Eagle
• Eagle County
• Town of Minturn
• Town of Red Cliff
• Town of Vail
• City of Aspen
• Pitkin County
• Town of Snowmass Village
• City of Glenwood Springs
• Town of Carbondale
utilities
• Xcel Energy
• Holy Cross Energy
• Aspen Utilities
• Glenwood Springs Electric & Public
Works
• Black Hills Energy
Technical Experts Advising on
the Project
• Shums Coda Associates
• Biospaces Energy Consulting
• Southwest Energy Efficiency
Project
Community Nonprofits
• Community Office of
Resource Efficiency (CORE)
• Climate Action Collaborative
at Walking Mountains (CAC)
• Clean Energy Economy for the
Region (CLEER)
---- 12
F,77'r,m"wl I
4 .�.'�y�' y,y�r. J 'a1 �°"`- �i��'!f�" �`�. ♦ ��tT. ,•?`% J Y f
70 It"
00,
s `�- ram, _. ..r�-.. - .. •- � ��Y J� . r .
r _
z-
-
.
'.�..:. �•¢i .,ram,. - f -.��
t. (( -A '
..,r ••' %:p .:�• � �••�r..�'�'� . � r � .r— _ ' .�� A�fi'.��:�'t�ii•..,i�b ,•:.�`n�i-'��tr: .
Report prepared by
LOTUS
Engineering & Sustainability