Building Code Board of Appeals Minutes 2008 03 20

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Building Code Board of Appeals Minutes March 20, 2008 Page 3 of 5 He suggests that we let the market take care of the issue and let the builder decide if he wants it or not. We should be watching out more for the little guy. Mike Jones says that Louisville Building department does not have the money or the man power to mimic Longmont's current Green Built program. The HERS program is strictly an energy testing program run by a 3rd party. HERS does add about $1000 per home which the buyer absorbs. Matthew Berry says HERS does offer a pay back to the owner with green products and recycling benefits. Other than those benefits, we still don't like to be passing on the costs to the homeowners. Rex Olson asks what does HERS do when homes do not pass? Mike Jones says that the builder has to correct and retest the problems. Tom Meyers of Colorado Code Consultants, recommends that Louisville waits for a national program to come in the future. Rex Olson says it is always mathematical to get to the objective of Built Green. Therefore, it is really a matter of what we want to do and can do financially. (Light discussion continued about what is known about other counties using HERS programs, current building standards already in place, penalties for non- compliance of recycling, etc.) Matthew Berry asks Mike Jones what is the Markel Homes HERS rating. Mike Jones says he will ask Markel about their HERS rating. Rex Olson proposes an idea to make a Built Green program voluntary to the builder, with HERS program set to an 85% point system. This is as far as we can go with no budget. We can put this idea in front of Council and see where it goes. Matthew Berry says we cannot afford to be a martyr for Green Built. The sense of urgency is not here with our Board. Mandating a program will stir anger. A voluntary program will begin the education process of energy efficiency and the use of better Green Built products. Resolution Draft -Rex Olson suggests a voluntary points program with a potential of a HERS rating between 75 - 85% point program would be a good starting point. This way the house is on its own voluntary basis. Board of Appeals Comments All members present agree with resolution draft proposal idea from Rex Olson.