Boulder City is set to enhance its environmental regulations for commercial and residential buildings following a pivotal recommendation from the Environmental Advisory Board during their recent meeting. The board proposed shifting from prescriptive requirements to a more flexible building performance standard model, which would establish energy use and emissions targets based on building type.

Currently, Boulder mandates annual reporting, energy audits, and lighting upgrades for commercial buildings over 50,000 square feet. The new recommendation suggests adopting a local performance standard that could be more stringent than the existing state regulations, while also developing standards for smaller buildings that are not currently regulated. This approach aims to prioritize larger buildings, where the most significant emissions occur, while gradually incorporating smaller structures into the framework.

The board emphasized the importance of transparency in building performance, which could empower tenants and businesses to make informed decisions based on energy efficiency. A potential disclosure and labeling program was discussed to provide clearer insights into how buildings perform.

In addition to commercial buildings, the board addressed the need for regulations on multifamily properties, which are currently exempt from the building performance standards. The recommendation includes consolidating all multifamily buildings under a unified program to enhance efficiency and transparency.

For smaller residential buildings, the board acknowledged that existing regulations inadvertently incentivize natural gas appliances. They proposed revising these incentives to promote more energy-efficient options and considering the inclusion of manufactured homes in future regulations.

The discussions also touched on air pollution standards, particularly regarding NOx emissions, as well as the importance of ensuring that appliances are replaced responsibly to minimize embodied carbon impacts.

As Boulder moves forward with these recommendations, the community can expect a more robust framework aimed at reducing emissions and enhancing energy efficiency across various building types. The board's focus on transparency and performance standards reflects a commitment to fostering a sustainable environment for all residents.