Skip to page content

Town of Frisco Colorado

Town of Frisco, Colorado

Home | Search | Staff Directory | Contact | Help

Home > Government > Environmental Stewardship ES2 > Energy Code

ES2 Energy Code

rainbow

Background

American cities and countries spend billions of dollars annually on energy to operate public buildings, office machines, street lights, and the like.  Another issue for local governments is that a large portion of their energy expenditures flows out of the local economy. 

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, each dollar spent on natural gas and electricity results in only approximately $1.60 of local economic activity.  The potential financial returns on investments in energy efficiency alone are enormous.  The National Science Foundation has estimated that cities can often reduce their total energy costs by as much as 15% through improvements in energy efficiency, without affecting the quality of services provided.

Frisco and Energy Efficiency

In 1999, the Town adopted and incorporated the International Energy Conservation Code. The Code mandates energy efficient requirements for one and two family (duplex) dwellings that are regulated by the International Residential Code.  Minimum R values for floors, walls and ceilings as well as the design of the building envelope and mechanical, electrical and illumination systems are addressed.

Frisco Policy

The Town of Frisco shall utilize the following policies with regard to energy efficiency:

  • Use energy efficient lighting: Reduce the Town's energy consumption related to lighting by using the most energy efficient lighting in public buildings and on public properties, including streets and right-of-ways.
  • Protect Frisco's dark night sky: Investigating alternatives to reduce light pollution community-wide, including using energy efficient lighting and turning off non-essential lighting during non-use hours.
  • Renewable energy: Commit to utilizing 15% of the energy used for municipal operations from renewable energy sources by 2015. Commit to utilizing 50% of the energy used for municipal operations from renewable energy sources by 2025.
  • Reduce energy loads: Purchase energy efficient and/or Energy Star rated office equipment and appliances.
  • Ensure energy efficient building systems: Consider advanced commissioning for new public buildings, which includes mechanical systems, lighting, and a contract for the commissioning agent to review systems again in 11 months while still under contractor warranty. Consider retro-commissioning for existing older public facilities to ensure they are operating optimally.
  • Make departments accountable for energy use: Explore, and if possible, develop a department by department energy budget and encourage all departments to live within their energy budget even if it is only on paper.
  • Public Information: Provide the community with education information on the Town's web page.

Green Building

Green building is the practice of increasing the efficiency with which buildings and their sites use and harvest energy, water, and materials. Green building reduces building impacts on human health and the environment through better siting, design, construction, operation, and maintenance.

Learn more about green building: