Taos passes strict new building code

TAOS, N.M. (AP) - Taos has approved a high-performance building ordinance that requires homes and commercial buildings to meet minimum energy efficiency standards.

The ordinance, approved last week, mandates that residential construction meet Home Energy Rating System standards that gradually phase in starting this year, and commercial construction must meet Leadership In Energy and Environmental Design certified standards beginning this year.

Sage West Consultants recommended HERS and LEED standards because they offer builders wide latitude to innovate and low- or no-cost solutions in creating energy efficient buildings.

The town requires its own buildings meet energy-efficiency requirements.

The ordinance gives builders the option of paying fees instead of complying, with fees going into a fund to help low-income citizens improve their homes' energy efficiency.