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Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency: County Goals
Adams County’s Sustainability Plan outlines one goal related to energy efficiency in county facilities:
- Incorporate energy efficiency and new energy technologies and building practices in new facilities and retrofit eligible existing facilities.
The Plan also establishes targets to be achieved by 2030 to measure the progress of these goals:
- Reduce electricity use intensity (EUI) 15% from baseline
- Reduce natural gas use intensity 15% from baseline
The county is taking several steps to meet these targets:
- Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC): an energy service company (ESCO) will implement energy-saving measures such as upgrading lighting, HVAC systems, insulation, or installing energy-efficient technologies and guarantees energy savings over a specified period of time.
- Lighting Upgrades: Independent of the ESPC, the county has upgraded lighting to LED bulbs in several buildings.
Colorado State Regulation 28
Effective October 15, 2023, Colorado’s Air Quality Commission approved Regulation 28, titled “Building Benchmarking and Performance Standards,” which requires covered building owners to meet certain energy use targets or implement greenhouse gas emissions reductions to increase efficiency, as part of Colorado’s broader plan to reduce emissions by 50% prior to 2030.
It applies to commercial, multifamily, and public buildings 50,000 square feet or larger.
The county has six buildings that fall under this regulation.
Energy Efficiency 101
Energy efficiency refers to using less energy to perform the same task or achieve the same result.
Reducing energy use in a building focuses on:
- Transitioning to energy-efficient appliances and equipment
- Building insulation and weatherization
- Energy-efficient heating and cooling
- Lighting
- Energy management systems
- Integration with renewable energy
Why is Energy Efficiency Important?
- Cost Savings: By using less energy, you lower your utility bills. Small improvements in efficiency can add up to significant savings over time.
- Environmental Benefits: Energy efficiency reduces greenhouse gas emissions and lowers your carbon footprint, which helps fight climate change.
- Energy Security: By using energy more efficiently, we reduce the overall demand for energy, which can help prevent shortages and reliance on imported energy.
- Improved Comfort: In homes and buildings, energy-efficient systems (like better insulation, heating, or cooling) can increase comfort by maintaining a more stable and pleasant indoor environment.
Energy Efficiency Financial Incentives
Federal Incentives – Residential Only
Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit: If you make qualified energy-efficient improvements to your home after Jan. 1, 2023, you may qualify for a tax credit up to $3,200. You can claim the credit for improvements made through 2032.
Learn more about this incentive.
State of Colorado Incentives
Colorado Heat Pump Tax Credits: Coloradans can take advantage of state incentives to install heat pumps for space heating and cooling and water heating. All Colorado residents, businesses, and other organizations who install an eligible heat pump through a registered contractor may receive a portion of the tax credit (at least 33.33%) as a discount at the time of installation.
Learn more about this tax credit.
Colorado RENU Loan Program: offers low interest loans for energy improvements.
Learn about this financing mechanism.
Home energy rebates provided by the Inflation Reduction Act are expected to be available in Colorado in 2025. Sign up to be notified when rebates are available.
Utility Incentives
Xcel Energy offers residential rebates for smart thermostats, heat pump water heaters, insulation and air sealing, LED bulbs, and cellular shades.
Learn more about these rebates.
Xcel Energy also offers many different rebates for businesses including lighting, HVAC, water pumps, commercial refrigeration, compressed air, computer equipment, cooling, and energy management systems.
Learn more about these rebates.
United Power also offers residential and commercial rebates.
