Photo: CRMS solar array opening

ABOUT GREEN RESOURCES

Carbondale is trying to do its part to become one of the most sustainable communities in North America. The local economy is fueled by many thriving businesses and non-profits that focus on sustainability.

Organizations like SEI, SCoR, Sustainable Settings, and C.O.R.E. are working to promote renewable energy, reduce pollution and waste, and help businesses make their operations more environmentally friendly.

Our town government approved the Carbondale Energy Plan which outlines steps to reduce emissions, become more energy independent, and strengthen the economy in the process. A Clean Renewable Energy Bonds program (CREB’s) was also approved by the town to construct and operate two large-scale solar systems in the near future.

There are lots of reasons to become green. Green business improves employee morale and the health of the workplace, holds a marketing edge over the competition, strengthens its bottom line through operating efficiencies, and recognizes your business as an environmental leader. For consumers, shopping green can help reduce waste and protect our environment because Green businesses employ pollution prevention practices, conserve energy, water, and other resources, and minimize waste.

Click here for a list of Chamber Members and search "Green Resources"

Searching for the latest information on going green in Colorado? Everything from state initiatives to Energy Star workshops are available at the Governor’s Energy Office website

Outside magazine recently held an energy use competition between editors. Click here to view the results!

Planning a green event is a great way to cut down on landfill waste, reduce your environmental footprint and send a positive message to the community. Click here for more information on conducting green events!

Click here to learn more about how you can plan for the environment and 10 easy steps to help make your green event more successful. This information is provided by Shannon Kilkenny, author of the award winning book The Complete Guide to Successful Event Planning. Kilkenny sees the environmental movement as the biggest change and challenge in the hospitality industry to date. She is currently teaching leading workshop and seminars and speaking at conferences and conventions on event planning with an emphasis on planning for the environment. For more information on how you can become more environmental, read the chapter Planning for the Environment in her book. For more information on her book visit her website at www.successfuleventplanning.com.

Click here for a link to a video on the solar array grand opening.

For the detailed Town of Carbondale Energy & Climate Protection Plan and Energy Bond information, please visit the following links:

Town of Carbondale Energy and Climate Protection Plan
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds Resolution

To check the new Carbondale Efficient Building (CEB) Program, click here.

Rec Center is a state LEEDer
-by John Stroud...The Post Independent, January 28, 2009
The town of Carbondale has added another feather to its “green” cap, in the form of one of the highest honors in energy efficient building design for the new Carbondale Recreation & Community Center.

Colorado's green policy initiatives
-by Kris Wiesenfeld and Kevin Geminiuc...Colorado biz today
The market for green technology is simply the largest market ever seen in the history of mankind. Whether motivated by carbon emission reduction or by the desire for energy independence, the worldwide replacement of the energy production and distribution infrastructure, the switching of how we transport ourselves and our goods, and the reduction of energy consumed is happening, today. Green technology is making it possible, and Colorado is poised to be at the forefront of creating and producing that green technology.

Carbondale residents can now ' recycle' paper and cardboard
- by Jeremy Heiman...The Valley Journal, November 6-12, 2008
Continuing to take baby steps toward a complete recycling program, the town of Carbondale has created an opportunity for residents to recycle cardboard and all kinds of paper.

Consortium of green groups and Garfield County governments gets $1.6M energy efficency grant
- by The Post Independent, October 15, 2008
Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter announced Tuesday that 10 Garfield County governments and groups received a $1.6 million grant to implement energy efficiency and conservation programs in the area.

Clothing company helps Carbondale with recycling
- by Jeremy Heiman . . . The Post Independent, August 31, 2008
Recycling bottles, cans and newspapers is about to get a little easier in Carbondale. New recycling stations will be placed at 15 locations throughout town, thanks to a $20,000 grant from Patagonia, the outdoor clothing company.

Brighter energy days ahead
- by Phillip Yates . . . The Post Independent, July 2, 2008
Jim Gaw looked at the solar panel arrays and contemplated a possible lesson plan.
The 756-panel system stands right outside the building he teaches in, and it will generate about 200,000 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power 20 to 25 homes and keep 330,000 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the air, according to estimates.

SoL Energy shines light in Carbondale
- by Phillip Yates . . . Aspen Times, April 8, 2008
What if your business could receive most of its energy from the sun, while also enjoying a federal tax credit and utility rebates? Carbondale-based SoL Energy can help you enjoy all three benefits and make a small difference against global warming