Energy Code & Related Resources#
Current Building Code
Effective April 15, 2022 the City of Fort Collins adopted the 2021 International body of codes & amendments, including the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). For the complete codes, visit Codes & Standards.
There are several changes within the International Energy Conservation Code and amendments, one of which is a requirement for Residential Plumbing Compactness. A City of Fort Collins Residential Plumbing Compactness Code Guide can be found here and further down the page under 'Additional Resources - Building Mechanical / Plumbing'.
Significant Changes Guide to the 2021 IECC
Residential Energy Code Resources#
Performance Path to Compliance - Simulated Performance Alternative (SPA)#
Requirements for the Simulated Performance Alternative are detailed within The City of Fort Collins Residential New Construction Simulated Performance Alternative (SPA) Guide: Residential New Construction SPA Guide
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Residential Air Tightness Testing#
New attached and detached single family dwellings are required to submit a passing multi-point air tightness test prior to issuance of C.O..
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Fort Collins Residential Mechanical Systems HVAC requirements#
Residential new construction mechanical systems are required to submit either engineered stamped mechanical plans or the Residential Mechanical Systems Design Submittal Form below. This 4 page form was effective as of May 14, 2013, and is required for new residential construction submittals by qualified agencies. This form must be accompanied by a Manual J, S, and D designed using the 'Manual J Design Criteria' found in the IRC code amendments Climatic & Geographic Design Criteria Table R301.2(1), and/or below.
All new construction mechanical systems must test, and submit the completed Residential Mechanical Systems Performance Report below prior to issuance of C.O..
Mechanical Design
Residential Mechanical Systems Design Submittal Form
Residential New Construction Mechanical Systems Design Submittal Guide
Climatic & Geographic Design Criteria IRC Table R301.2(1)
Mechanical Performance Testing
Commercial Energy Code Resources#
UA approach to Commercial Compliance#
Commercial compliance using COMcheck
It is the responsibility of the party using COMcheck to use the most current version of the software. This insures that any updates made within the software are accounted for in your energy model. Either the most current desktop version of COMcheck or COMcheck-Web should be used.
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Commercial Building Air Tightness Testing#
All new construction, including commercial buildings, are required to pass a building air tightness test. Testing requirement by building type can be found in the document Air Tightness Testing Different Building Types found further down the page under 'Additional Resources → Building Envelope'. Documentation and reporting of test results is required and must be submitted as part of the final report pack prior to issuance of the C.O..
Commercial Building Air Leakage Test Protocol
Alternative Small Commercial Building Air Leakage Test Protocol (under 5000 sq ft)
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Commercial Building Commissioning#
All new construction occupied buildings and/or first time tenant finishes with a floor area greater than 15,000 sq ft shall perform commissioning and complete a commissioning report. This commissioning report is to be made available to the building department prior to C.O. upon request.
City of Fort Collins Commercial Commissioning Fact Sheet
Multi-Family Energy Code Resources#
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Multi-Family Air Tightness Testing#
Multi-Family dwelling units are required to be tested for air tightness, more specifically tested for air tightness from the exterior and from one dwelling unit to the next. Unit sampling is allowed for multi-family buildings.
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Multi-Family Mechanical Systems Performance Testing#
All new construction mechanical systems must test, complete and submit the Residential Mechanical Systems Performance Report found in the 'Residential Energy Code Resources' above prior to issuance of C.O.. Compiling test results from all of the dwelling units in a building onto one form is permitted. This form is available below. Sampling of mechanical systems performance testing is not allowed and all dwelling units must be tested.
Multi-Family Residential Mechanical Systems Performance Report
Additional Resources#
Building Envelope#
- Air Tightness Testing Different Building Types (blower door)
- Air Leakage Testing Agencies
- Air Sealing Triage - (external link from Code Watcher)
- A Guide to Slab Edge Insulation
- 'Slab Happy' slab insulation details - (external link from Building Science Corporation)
- Insulation: A Guide to Proper Installation - (link from NAIMA)
- Insulation Grading for Code Inspections
- A Guide to Exterior Wall Air Barrier Above Ceiling Plane (commonly missed detail)
- Single Family Attached Air Sealing - A real world example
- Multifamily Building Air Tightness - Lessons from the field
Building Mechanical / Plumbing#
- Residential Mechanical Systems Performance Testing & Training
- Air Density Correction Factors - for 5000 ft elevation
- ANSI/ACCA QI 5-2010 HVAC Quality Installation Specification
- City of Fort Collins Approved Duct-Work Location Details
- City of Fort Collins Residential Plumbing Compactness Code Guide
- City of Fort Collins Water Efficiency Code Resources
Indoor / Outdoor Environment#
Workforce Training & Education series archived presentations#
Heat Pumps in Colorado - workshop
NOCO HBA / City of Fort Collins / Xcel Energy series
Green Building Resources and Rebates#
Rebates, Programs, Resources, and Training for:
- Homeowners
- Contractors
- Commercial Owners and Tenants
- Multi-Family Landlords and Property Owners
IDAP - Fort Collins Utilities' Integrated Design Assistance Program#
Financial incentives and technical support are available through IDAP to help make your building design more energy efficient. Engagement early in design is critical. Click here for more information.