Building processes starts with designing to the adopted life safety building codes and then incorporate the State’s High Performance Standard Certification Program statutes (HPCP). Once the building is occupied, active oversight of all the systems is important to sustain overall efficient operations and occupant comfort. As building components reach their expected life span an energy performance contract is a financing mechanism to replace components and upgrade the building.
 

Energy Building Code

The Office of the State Architect (OSA) has adopted International Energy Conservation Code.  Information on all the codes adopted and the reference year is available from our web page   Building Codes.  Software to verify the building design is available from the U. S. Department of Energy Building Energy Codes Program at Building Energy Codes Program.
 

New Construction/Major Renovations

The OSA policy, High Performance Certification Program ( HPCP ), updated in February 2010, outlines the requirements for state departments and institutions of higher education in the construction of new buildings and the substantial renovation of existing buildings. OSA recognizes the US Green building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED™) guideline as the standard for state buildings and the Colorado Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CO-CHPS) guideline as an alternative standard for K-12 schools. The HPCP policy is summarized in two documents as listed below. The OSA HPCP registration form, a modified LEED checklist, and a modified CHPS checklist are worksheets within the Excel spreadsheet below. A frequently asked questions (FAQ) document is also listed below.
 

OSA HPCP Summary STATE
OSA HPCP Summary DOLA CDE
OSA HPCP Registration-Checklist Forms
OSA HPCP FAQs


Existing Buildings Energy Management

Energy management of existing building is an important aspect of the complete operation and maintenance requirements of a building.  The guideline for existing buildings can be accessed at:  Energy Management.
 

Energy Performance Contracts

An energy performance contract (EPC) provides an alternative funding source for a state agency to repair and/or upgrade its facilities. Energy performance contracts use avoided future energy costs from increased facility energy efficiency as the method to fund facility improvements over the life of the lease-purchase energy performance contract.
 

The OSA assists the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) in developing and implementing energy performance contracts.  Information on energy performance contracts is available at Colorado Energy Office along with other energy programs. On the CEO web site, follow the links within the commercial building program web page to existing buildings web page to find the performance contracting web page.