Colorado County Considers Green Building Mandates

Boulder County (Colorado) commissioners have announced they may move closer to mandating green building requirements on the construction of new homes or additions to existing homes in unincorporated areas, according to a report in the Times-Call (Longmont, Colo.).

The commissioners last discussed the proposed BuildSmart program at a public hearing on Dec. 18. They will hold a study session on Jan. 10 that will also be open to the public, according to the report.

According to the Bounder County Land Use Department Web site, the program is meant to promote cost-effective energy-efficient housing, which also reduces the production of green house gases and landfill waste, and conserves water and other natural resources. The BuildSmart program includes five mandatory requirements: deconstruction, recycling and reuse of construction debris, energy efficiency, use of on site renewable energy systems and indoor water conservation.

The program would be a revision to the county’s building code.

More information is available at www.co.boulder.co.us/lu.