Fort Collins Paves the Way to a Sustainable Future with a DOE RECI Grant

To achieve a greener and more resilient future, the City of Fort Collins, CO, has secured funding through the federal government’s Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation (RECI) grant opportunity.

When first learning about the available RECI funding, the City of Fort Collins sought guidance and a strategic partnership to enhance its application. Early discussions with Stella Carr, Energy and Resilience Project Manager from the International Code Council set the tone for a collaborative effort aimed at advancing building codes for enhanced energy efficiency and carbon reduction. Stella and other ICC staff were thought partners and contributed to the project development.

A Vision for Zero Carbon Buildings by 2030

With the formal award in place, the City of Fort Collins is set to spearhead a three-year project focused on the development, adoption and implementation of a building energy code performance path to achieve zero-carbon buildings by the year 2030. This ambitious endeavor involves the development of methodologies that establish energy use and carbon reduction targets. The project will encompass not only code language but also an implementation guide and comprehensive training programs.

Through collaborating with partners like the Florida Solar Energy Center and the New Buildings Institute, the City of Fort Collins will work to analyze its current energy use to help determine energy targets.

Concurrently, consultations with the expert team at the Code Council will shape the development of innovative code language that aligns with the city’s energy and resilience aspirations.

A Crucial Step in Climate Action

This project stands as a critical pillar in Fort Collins’ overarching plan to achieve an 80 percent reduction in carbon emissions and transition to 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030, as outlined in the city’s Our Climate Future plan.

The anticipated impacts of this initiative are far-reaching, enhancing housing quality and performance to meet community goals. By striving for improved comfort, better health, reduced utility costs and overall resilience, the project aligns with the vision of a community that not only meets its environmental targets but also ensures long-term housing stability.

Fort Collins is not just envisioning a sustainable future; it is actively working toward it. The collaboration with the Code Council and other esteemed partners positions the city at the forefront of innovation in building codes, setting a precedent for communities nationwide.

To learn more about available grant opportunities to support code-related activities and how the Code Council can help, visit iccsafe.org/federalgrants.