Basalt is working on strengthening its requirements for sustainable building as part of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Basalt adopted a climate action plan last year with goals of cutting CO2 emissions 80 percent by 2050, and the building sector is key to meeting that target. Buildings are responsible for over half of carbon emissions.
Amanda Poindexter is with the U.S. Green Building Council and has been working with Basalt on new sustainable building regulations.
“The only way to meet our climate goals are to increase efficiency of the existing buildings, as well as new buildings,” Poindexter said.
The regulations would apply to remodels as well as new construction, and would use a point system where contractors and homeowners can choose from a variety of sustainable practices. It’s an update to Basalt’s current requirements and is modeled on programs in Aspen and Carbondale.
Basalt Town Council will hear a presentation from Poindexter at a meeting Tuesday.
