Aspen and Pitkin County - Efficient Building Program

Summary

The City of Aspen/Pitkin County has initiated the City of Aspen/Pitkin County Efficient Building Program (APEB). As of February 2003, all building permit applications must include a completed APEB Checklist documenting that the project has the minimum number of points for using efficient, recycled and renewable technologies and materials as well as resource efficient practices. If the project includes a remodel and/or demolition/deconstruction, then the Deconstruction Plan form must be filled out in addition to the Checklist. The APEB Program is designed to educate the public and the building trades about utilizing resources more efficiently. Flexibility is built into the program to accommodate a wide range of alternatives to create better buildings. The program addresses the reduction of construction waste, promoting recycled and renewable resources, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, renewable energy, water conservation, as well as efficient building techniques. The program is point-based. The number of points required is based on the size and type of the project. For example, one point is available for every five percentage over the energy code that one builds. Points for solar design and technologies are available, also, such as passive solar space heating, solar water heating, active solar space heating, and photovoltaics. The APEB Guidelines can be used when completing the Checklist, which is required upon submittal of any residential building permit application, and a Resource Guide has also been developed in conjunction with this program to assist in finding suppliers and other information.