Builders make headway on energy-efficient homes

LONGMONT — New ideas and technology make creating a net-zero home or building — one that uses no more energy than it produces — increasingly possible.

The key to success is rooted in assembling the right team from design through construction, using up-to-date information and aiming toward the highest standard possible.

“We believe Boulder County is on the cutting edge of building,” said Rich Filipek, principal at Longmont-based general contractor Concept30 LLC. “But the energy codes and the building science is changing so quickly that homes built eight years ago are much less energy-efficient than homes currently being built.”

With Boulder County’s reputation…