The Process for Adopting an Energy Efficiency Code in Existing Homes: A Case Study of Boulder, Colorado's SmartRegs Program

Abstract

On January 3, 2011 Boulder, Colorado implemented the SmartRegs ordinances, becoming the first city in the country to require energy retrofits for rental properties. SmartRegs is an update to the housing and rental licensing code while adding baseline efficiency requirements for rental housing. This study analyzes the process the City of Boulder endured to adopt SmartRegs by performing a content analysis of public meeting minutes and conducting interviews with decision makers to identify barriers and success factors. A key finding is early involvement of one or more people committed to energy efficiency and reaching compromise is necessary to adopt such requirements in an economically driven and adversarial environment.