Town of Frisco Colorado

Government

• Annual Budget
• Afforable Housing
• Environmental Stewardship (ES²)
  • Climate Protection
  • Stewardship Policy
  • Building Practices
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Transportation
  • Waste Reduction
  • Watershed & Ecosystem
  • Forest Management
  • Outdoor Lighting
  • Noxious Weeds
  • Recycling
  • Water Quality
• Forms and Permits
• Gov't Structure
• Job Opportunities
• Master Plan
• Municipal Election
• Town Boards
• Town Charter
• Town/Municipal Code
• Town Council

Home > Government > Environmental Stewardship ES² > Building Practices

ES2 Building Practices

Background:

Buildings in the United States are responsible for 48 percent of all energy consumed and the emission of over 600 million metric tons of greenhouse gases per year.  It has been recognized nationally that to reduce building energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, a building design revolution must take place.

A study done by the Rocky Mountain Institute found that constructing a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified building  adds approximately 2-3% to the overall cost of the building. Depending on the systems and materials used, it is estimated that these increased costs can be recovered through energy savings within 7-15 years.

Policy:

When practicable, the Town of Frisco shall utilize the following policies with regard to all building maintenance and/or redevelopment or new construction projects:

• Use energy efficient practices: Incorporate sustainable, energy efficient, renewable energy and other similar building technologies into all Town-owned and Town-sponsored building projects, at the design or pre-design phase of projects.  Examples include:
  • Use of low flow toilets, shower and faucets, waterless urinals and tankless, or other efficient water heaters.
  • Use of energy efficient lighting, and installation of dimmers and timers to reduce lighting waste.
  • Use energy efficient insulation, 0.40 U Factor windows, and thermally efficient window coverings.
  • Use energy efficient heating and cooling systems.
• Hire sustainability-focused consultants: In selecting consultants, ask them to identify their experience and expertise in sustainable practices. Three critical aspects are experience and expertise, attitude towards sustainable design, and willingness/ability to collaborate and communicate with key stakeholders.
• Use free energy: Use the sun and wind as resources for maximum comfort.  Especially look to optimize appropriate daylighting for improved productivity and reduced lighting costs, and site new building locations accordingly. 
• Use healthy materials: Promote the use of non-toxic materials, such as the use of  low or no VOC paints, sealants and caulks (especially for inside), sustainable carpeting, and formaldehyde-free composite wood.
• Simplify finishes: Use structures as finish and reduce layers of materials.  Select durable materials that are easy to maintain.
• Use local resources: When possible, use building materials that are produced/manufactured locally (in the state).
• Building Codes: Incorporate sustainable incentives and/or regulations in the building code for development.
• Support efforts to use solar, wind and geothermal power: Consider alternative energy sources for all public buildings, including purchasing wind power and incorporating solar or geothermal technologies.