The 2024 Energy Code Is Coming to Summit County — Are You Ready?

Energy codes don't wait for a convenient moment — and the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is already on the move in Colorado.

Breckenridge has already adopted the 2024 IECC with local amendments. Summit County (unincorporated areas) is in the process of adoption. The Town of Frisco has heard it — adoption is forthcoming.

If you're building anywhere in Summit County, this code is coming to your jobsite. The question is whether you're walking in prepared or scrambling to catch up.

What's Different About the 2024 IECC

Yes, the 2024 IECC achieves higher energy savings than the 2021 edition — but here's what actually matters for builders: the residential provisions offer substantially more flexibility than past editions.

The compliance paths have been reorganized and expanded, giving builders a wider range of options to hit the targets. That's genuinely good news — if you know how to use them.

Key areas of change from the 2021 and 2018 editions include updates to the organization and structure of compliance paths, adjusted requirements by climate zone, and revisions to how builders can demonstrate compliance. Summit County falls in Climate Zone 6 — one of the more demanding zones in the state — so understanding the zone-specific requirements matters here.

Free Training for NAHB Members

NAHB is now offering members free access to the 2024 IECC Overview Series — a set of educational videos that break down the key changes, what they mean for construction costs, and how to navigate compliance.

The series covers:

• Significant changes from the 2018 and 2021 IECC editions

• How the compliance path structure has changed and what that means for your options

• Climate zone-specific content — you select your zone and get requirements relevant to where you actually build

• Cost implications and how to engage in local adoption conversations

Access is free with your NAHB membership. Log in at elearning.nahb.org using your nahb.org single sign-on credentials.

Why This Matters Right Now in Summit County

SCBA has been — and will continue to be — actively engaged in local energy code adoption discussions. Understanding the 2024 IECC isn't just about compliance. It's about being able to show up to those conversations with real knowledge.

When local governments consider amendments — and they will — the builders who understand the base code are the ones who can make effective arguments for or against specific provisions. Breckenridge has already added local amendments on top of their adoption. Summit County and Frisco are not far behind.

NAHB's 2024 IECC Residential Code Adoption Kit is also available and includes resources specifically designed to help builders and local HBAs navigate new requirements — including how to engage during the adoption process.

Take the Training

The 2024 IECC Overview Series is available now on NAHB's e-learning platform. Select your climate zone, watch at your own pace, and walk into your next permit application — or your next public meeting — knowing what you're talking about.

Visit the 2024 IECC Overview Series at elearning.nahb.org. (NAHB member login required.)

Questions about local adoption status or how SCBA is engaging on energy code issues? Reach out directly — this is an active conversation and we want our members informed and at the table.

— Valerie Connelly, Executive Officer, Summit County Builders Association