Historic Preservation / Environmental Sustainability Integration Project

What's New?

Historic Building Energy Efficiency Guide - added Jan. 15, 2008 

On Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2007, City Council approved a policy option that gave direction on ways to integrate the city's historic preservation and environmental sustainability goals. The council approved Revised Option B.  

How can owners of historic buildings maintain the historic integrity of their property while improving energy efficiency?

Jointly sponsored by Historic Preservation Program and Office of Environmental Affairs, the Historic Preservation/Environmental Sustainabitlity Integration Project will seek resolutions in situations when historic preservation and energy efficiency seem to conflict (Joint Board Meeting April 26 Memo).

The historic character of designated historic buildings in Boulder is protected by the city's historic preservation ordinance. Any alterations to the exterior of landmark buildings or buildings in historic districts must first be approved by the city. This includes any energy efficiency improvements that affect the exterior, such as windows and door upgrades, new roofing, or the installation of solar panels.

At the same time, the city has a number of programs and regulations that advance the city's goal to become a national leader in environmental sustainability. They promote higher energy efficiency in buildings, reduction of waste, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, to name a few.  

Project Process:

• Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board and Environmental Advisory Board will review and recommend proposed resolutions to City Council.
• An ad hoc panel has been assembled to assist staff with the technical analysis and option formulation.
• Policies, regulations and programs that relate to both historic preservation and environmental sustainability will be examined for gaps, mixed messages and conflicts.
• This project will likely result in amendments to the Historic Preservation Design Guidelines and/or  Green Points Prgoram Guidelines (586.07 KB).
• Any changes will only affect  designated landmarks (63.28 KB) or  buildings in designated historic districts (203.54 KB).

Learn More:

• Studies, articles and other information about windows, energy efficiency, old homes and related topics have been compiled for this project.
• See a list of ad hoc panel members.
• Joint Board Meeting April 26 Memo and  City Council memo (399.94 KB)
• Look at  Green Points  (586.07 KB) and Historic Preservation Design Guidelines.
• Historic Preservation Ordinance, Energy Ordinance and Resource Conservation/Green Points Ordinance
• Environmental Advisory Board and Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board members and information
• City Council memo from Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2007

For more information, contact James Hewat at (303) 441-1880 or send an email to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Last Updated on Tuesday, 15 January 2008 03:55