The Path to Zero Carbon: Building an approach together

This article outlines our approach to community engagement leading up to 2030 Energy Code adoption.

Building to a zero carbon standard represents a significant change in our community, which is why we feel it is critical community members and impacted organizations have more access to the code development process than ever before. By increasing your opportunities to contribute ideas and experiences, we believe we can establish a zero carbon code that is innovative and achievable across the impacted industries.

How is this process different than the City's standard process?

Our goal is for deeper energy code development engagement on the next three code cycles (2024, 2027, 2030). Energy code is one of many codes that are developed through the City's standard process, which is managed by our Building Services Department. Learn about the City's standard building code development and review process: Fort Collins Building Code Adoption Updates(External link).

How can the community engage in this process?

At the time this article is published, we have about 5 1/2 years until 2030 energy code adoption by City Council. Our approach to engagement has multiple opportunities for you to plug in:

• Building Code Adoption Committee- The City's standard building code adoption process. Local design & construction professionals graciously volunteer their time and expertise, meeting weekly with staff across three months, to review updated codes, proposed amendments and discuss impacts to our community. These meetings are open to the public to join via Zoom.

• Energy Code Community Advisory Group- Our most robust engagement strategy. This group creates space for dialog and information sharing between community members and the City staff tasked with building and recommending energy code. These opportunities have been extended to building industry professionals. The group's work will be visible to the community on Our City. Opportunities will be offered in person to create robust dialog, and virtually for those who can't attend through email, video, and surveying.

• Our City- This is where you are now! This site will be monitored and updated regularly with information and resources. You can also sign up for updates or ask questions directly to the project team. Please reach out!

• Workforce Development- We recognize how important it is our workforce is ready to implement a zero carbon code, so in addition to code development engagement, the City is encouraging our building industry to research and develop innovative methods and strategy for building zero-carbon. Learn about workforce development opportunities.(External link)