Colorado’s pollution regulators hear pros, cons of $2.55 billion energy efficiency mandate
$2.55 billion Colorado energy efficiency upgrade mandate before air pollution regulators The Denver Gazette
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Energy Efficiency Upgrades for Large Buildings in Colorado
A state agency this week heard testimony favoring and opposing a proposal to mandate more than $2.55 billion in energy efficiency upgrades for some 8,000 large buildings under consideration.
The potential costs to upgrade large buildings having more than 50,000 square feet of floor space is causing consternation among building owners, including owners of large, older apartment buildings. Proponents, meanwhile, said the new regulations will improve air quality, upgrade the quality of buildings in Colorado, and must be done all at once to make any substantial effect.
Regulation 28: Building Energy Use Reductions
In a three-day meeting, the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission tackled the proposal from the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division called Regulation 28, which seeks to mandate 7% building energy use reductions by 2026 and 20% by 2030. The proposal first came before the commission on May 16.
Strident objections from building owners and apartment industry representatives persuaded the air quality commission in April to continue the proceedings until August.
Concerns and Opposition
- Apartment developers argued it may well be unaffordable, if not impossible, to meet the new standards and result in the loss of low-income housing stocks if buildings have to be closed or the cost of new, low-emission upgrades will be passed to renters.
- Dennis Supple, a spokesperson for International Facility Managers Association, highlighted supply chain issues and up to 18-month delays for delivering new, low-emission equipment, making it impossible to obtain the necessary equipment before the 2026 reduction sets in.
Support for Building Energy Standards
- Cliff Majersik, senior advisor for policy and programs at the Institute for Market Transformation, expressed support for the building energy standards, stating that they are necessary and workable. He emphasized the benefits beyond energy and climate savings, such as creating healthier and more comfortable buildings for occupants, generating jobs for Colorado workers, and adding property value.
- Tricia Canonico from Fort Collins City Council, a member of Colorado Communities for Climate Action, voiced deep concern about the climate crisis and emphasized the importance of collective action to create more valuable buildings, profitable buildings, and more jobs for residents.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The proposed energy efficiency upgrades align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Goal 13: Climate Action
In addition to Colorado, three other states have adopted building performance standards: Washington state, Maryland, and Oregon.
Legal Mandate and Challenges
In response to complaints against the proposed rule, the Colorado Energy Office stated that the regulation is mandated by statutes enacted by House Bill 21-1286. The office emphasized that any defects lie in the law itself and until the underlying statute is challenged and overturned, agencies have a legal duty to forge ahead.
Gov. Polis signed the enabling legislation in June 2021. The commission announced the proposed rule 18 months later on Jan. 20, 2023.
Conclusion
Despite objections and concerns, the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission voted 6-1 to pass the regulation, with Commissioner Randy Ahrens voting against the proposal and Commissioner Gary Arnold absent. The implementation of energy efficiency upgrades for large buildings in Colorado aims to achieve significant reductions in energy use, improve air quality, and contribute to sustainable development goals.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses a proposal to mandate energy efficiency upgrades for large buildings, which is connected to SDG 7 on Affordable and Clean Energy. The aim is to reduce building energy use and improve air quality, which aligns with SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities. Additionally, the proposal is part of efforts to address climate change, which relates to SDG 13 on Climate Action.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
The proposed regulation aims to achieve a 7% reduction in building energy use by 2026 and a 20% reduction by 2030. These targets align with SDG 7.3 on improving energy efficiency. The regulation also seeks to improve air quality and upgrade the quality of buildings, which contribute to achieving SDG 11.6. Additionally, the proposal addresses climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, supporting SDG 13.2.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Percentage reduction in building energy use by 2026 and 2030
- Air quality improvements in buildings
- Number of buildings upgraded to meet energy efficiency standards
- Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from buildings
The article mentions the proposed percentage reductions in building energy use by 2026 and 2030, which can be used as indicators to measure progress towards the targets. The improvement in air quality and the upgrade of buildings to meet energy efficiency standards can also be measured as indicators. Additionally, tracking the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from buildings will provide insights into progress towards the climate change target.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency | – Percentage reduction in building energy use by 2026 and 2030 – Number of buildings upgraded to meet energy efficiency standards |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | – Air quality improvements in buildings – Number of buildings upgraded to meet energy efficiency standards |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | – Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from buildings – Number of buildings upgraded to meet energy efficiency standards |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: denvergazette.com
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