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City passes energy code amendments.

The city passed energy code amendments that reflect the goals of the 2030 Challenge. Commercial and multi-family residential projects will be required to be 30 percent more energy efficient than a baseline building (1999 edition of ASHRAE Standard 90.1). Projects that achieve a LEED Silver rating with 4 energy performance credits are exempt. Projects 20,000 square feet or less are allowed to follow a prescriptive path.

For one- and two-family detached dwelling units and townhouses, Albuquerque will adopt and amend the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code. Amendments reflect performance requirements of the ENERGY STAR Home label. Projects that achieve a LEED Homes Silver rating or above, and buildings certified as Build Green New Mexico Silver or above are exempt.

Buildings that use no fossil fuels, or buildings that use very low amounts of fossil fuels, will be exempt from the requirements of the new codes.

Over the next 30 years, the building stock is projected to grow to nearly 400 billion square feet. About 75% of the buildings will either be built or renovated in that period. (Nelson, 2004)