Colorado's energy code is moving toward Passive House standards. Here's what builders need to know.

Boulder, Denver, and Fort Collins are already ahead of state code on energy performance — and moving fast. Fort Collins has adopted the 2024 IECC with local amendments and published a three-cycle roadmap targeting zero carbon in new construction by 2030. Boulder’s code pushes toward net zero. Denver’s Energize Denver program sets EUI reduction targets on larger buildings. And the 2026 state energy code update — the new Model Low Energy and Carbon Code — tightens envelope and mechanical requirements significantly for the rest of Colorado. If you’re building along the Front Range and not thinking about performance now, you’ll be reacting to code in 18 months. The builders who get ahead of this curve will be delivering better homes — and winning more clients — than those who wait.

Are you tracking Colorado's energy code changes? What's your biggest concern?

SOURCES / FURTHER READING

1. Colorado Energy Office — Building Energy Codes & Toolkit (official state resource): energyoffice.colorado.gov/building-energy-codes-toolkit

2. Colorado Energy Office Press Release — New Model Low Energy and Carbon Code (Sept. 2025): energyoffice.colorado.gov/press-releases/colorados-new-model-low-energy-and-carbon-code-will-cut-energy-costs-improve-indoor

3. CPR News — “Colorado launches new building code designed to encourage efficient, all-electric homes” (Sept. 2, 2025): cpr.org/2025/09/02/colorado-new-building-code-energy-efficient-electric-homes

4. City of Boulder — 2024 Energy Conservation Code Update (Boulder ahead of state): bouldercolorado.gov/projects/2024-energy-conservation-code-update

5. AIA Colorado — Statewide Energy Code Update Bill Passed: aiacolorado.org/statewide-energy-code-update-bill-passed

6. City of Fort Collins — Energy Code (2024 IECC with local amendments, zero-carbon roadmap): fcgov.com/building/energycode

7. City of Fort Collins — Building Energy & Water Scoring program: fcgov.com/bews