UPDATE: Good News for Colorado Builders: HB 23-1161 Window and Door Energy Requirements Amended for Practical Compliance
After nearly two years of uncertainty and industry concern, there’s welcome news for Colorado’s homebuilders: House Bill 23-1161 has been amended to reflect more realistic and attainable energy performance standards for residential windows and doors.
How We Got Here
When HB 23-1161 was signed into law in 2023, it set ambitious energy goals for new construction, requiring that all residential windows, doors, and skylights sold in Colorado meet ENERGY STAR 7 Northern Zone criteria by January 1, 2026. While well-intentioned, the standard proved to be out of step with what’s feasible in Colorado’s unique climate and elevation—especially when factoring in product availability, real-world performance, and affordability for builders and homeowners alike.
At Clearview Distributors, we recognized early on that these requirements posed serious challenges to our industry. That’s why our team—led by Clearview’s own Jason McNett—took an active role in advocating for change. Through collaboration with the Colorado Home Builders Association, Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA), and direct engagement with the Colorado Energy Office (CEO), we helped elevate our industry’s voice and ensure practical feedback reached state decision-makers.
Industry Collaboration Pays Off
In response to growing concerns, the Home Builder’s Association (HBA) and other groups helped push for a comprehensive study to be done in early 2025, concluding that the ENERGY STAR-based requirements were “unreasonable” for statewide application. This led to a public hearing in June 2025, where the proposed alternative standards were officially adopted.
Effective January 1, 2026, the following alternative statewide U-factor requirements will apply:
- Windows: U-factor ≤ 0.30
- Skylights: U-factor ≤ 0.50
- Residential doors with more than half glass: U-factor ≤ 0.30
- Opaque and ≤½-lite doors: Exempt
These values now align with the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)—a national standard that strikes a more balanced approach between efficiency and real-world buildability.
What This Means for Builders
This amendment is a major win for Colorado builders, homeowners, and the broader construction industry. Instead of being forced into limited, high-cost product selections—like triple-glazed casement windows or designs that compromise home aesthetics—builders can now work with more familiar, proven products that meet reasonable performance targets.
Key Benefits of the Update:
- Cost-effective product selection
- Wider design flexibility (including sliding windows)
- Realistic manufacturing timelines and availability
- Better balance between summer cooling and winter insulation
We do want to remind builders that local jurisdictions may still enforce stricter codes, so always verify with your local building department to ensure compliance on a project-by-project basis.
Moving Forward
This policy change is a perfect example of what’s possible when industry professionals speak up and work together. We’re proud of the role Clearview Distributors played in advocating for smart, workable standards—and we remain committed to helping our customers navigate the evolving code landscape.
Have questions about your window and door options under the new 2026 standards? Our team is here to guide you through product selection, code compliance, and value-engineered solutions.
For more information on how this situation has evolved see our other posts for details:
HB 23-1161 Update: Industry Collaboration and Clarity for Colorado Builders
