Golden Hill Office Centre (photo by Thomas Harrop)

Long gone are the days when “going green” and “sustainability” were associated with hippies and Ecology professors. Today’s movements toward respecting and protecting the earth have made their way not only into homes across America, but also businesses, nonprofits and government. 

In the Front Range, we’re seeing a snowball effect. As influential corporations, nonprofits and politicians take the helm at the green wheel of change, the awareness among individuals, businesses and groups increases. And often, with awareness comes action.

Here are five major collaborations around the Front Range that are instigating change through both direct impact and the trickle-down influence that comes from leading by example.

1)  The Metro Mayors Caucus: On November 14, 2006, 37 mayors from the Denver and surrounding area signed a memorandum of understanding with a goal to “work together for a better region.” Key issues of agreement were improving energy efficiency and conservation; recycling; reducing fuel consumption; and educating citizens on energy conservation and efficiency, and alternative transportation. The mayors also dedicated a section to collaboration, including “working in cooperation with other jurisdictions to promote the concept of sustainability.” In addition, the group agreed to support efforts to pass or strengthen legislation that (1) promotes energy efficiency and conservation and (2) provides incentives for investment in efficient and clean energy technologies. This memorandum represents just one of the many areas of which the Metro Mayors Caucus seeks to improve. (www.metromayors.org)

2)  U.S. Representative Ed Perlmutter and NREL:
Another proponent of passing legislation to increase energy efficiency is Congressman Ed Perlmutter. His G.R.E.E.N. (Green Resources for Energy Efficient Neighborhoods) Act provides incentives to lenders and financial institutions to provide lower interest loans and other benefits to consumers who build, buy or remodel their homes and businesses to improve their energy efficiency. In addition, Congressman Perlmutter helped secure an increase in funds to the Department of Energy for programs that fund the Golden, Colo.-based National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the flagship renewable energy research facility in the country. NREL also collaborated with Congressman Perlmutter to make his Congressional Office carbon neutral. (http://perlmutter.house.gov/) (www.nrel.gov) 

3)  Colorado Energy Science Center and E-Star: The two merged in June 2008 to form the Smart Energy Living Alliance (SELA). The nonprofit provides unbiased information, tools and resources needed to make responsible energy decisions — both on an individual and business level. Together their goal is to transform the energy marketplace for the better. 

(www.smartenergyliving.org)

4)  Xcel Energy and the City of Boulder: The two entities are pairing up to create the nation’s first fully integrated electricity system, the Smart Grid City. Goals include enabling residents and businesses to optimize renewable energy sources, increase energy conservation and minimize the city’s environmental footprint. Implementation began in August 2008 and is expected to cost $100 million.

(www.xcelenergy.com/smartgridcity)

5)  Green Power Expo Hosts and Sponsors: On October 29, EasyChair Media, Propp Realty and the U.S. Tennis Association will be presenting “Green Power,” a free event offering businesses new ideas for “going green” in the workplace. The educational expo will also allow businesses to network with environmental leaders from across the Front Range who have adopted sustainability practices. The event will bring together some of the most progressive business entities in the Front Range. Speakers will include Richard Conant of CSU; Congressman Ed Perlmutter; Bob Murphy, Mayor of Lakewood; Theresa Worsham, City of Golden Sustainability Coordinator; Michele Weingarden, Director of Green Print Denver; Mona Newton, Central Regional Representative for the Governor’s Energy Office; and Nick Kittle, Fleet Finance Manager for the City of Colorado. Information will be available on a variety of topics, including reducing waste, renewable energy, green building and even healthy ‘green’ tips for work. Participants will be encouraged to share their ‘green’ success stories in the workplace.

The event will be held at Propp Realty’s Golden Hill Office Centre, an award-winning, LEED-certified facility offering a renowned commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability. If you would like to attend this event, register online at www.biggerthanbiz.com