Oct. 29, 2007 - Recognition program for Boulder businesses committed to reducing carbon emissions

Contact(s):
Kevin Afflerbaugh, Office of Environmental Affairs, (303) 441-4191
Jodie Carroll, Media Relations, (303) 441-3155
www.bouldercolorado.gov/
www.environmentalaffairs.com

The City of Boulder's Office of Environmental Affairs' ClimateSmart campaign will recognize local businesses participating in the city's Business Performance Program (BPP) by profiling the businesses' potential and actual energy savings from recommended retrofit measures.  Through an ongoing public recognition program, the ClimateSmart team intends to inspire other Boulder businesses to participate in the BPP so that Boulder will successfully achieve its Climate Action Plan (CAP) carbon emissions reduction goals by 2012.

Since 2005, the city has completed 42 assessments and 12 facilities have made efficiency improvements.  On average, the city spends $2,000 per audit while the average annual savings potential per business discovered in the audit is $12,000.

Case studies for a number of organizations are located on the www.beclimatesmart.com/ Web site (see "What Can I Do?"), with more to be added over time, and print ads listing participating organizations began the week of Oct. 22 in the Camera. The recognition program is being designed over the next six months and will promote BPP participants through radio spots, print and online publications, feature articles and other outreach channels.

The BPP is a free, comprehensive energy assessment available to all Boulder commercial properties and involves a facilities analysis that identifies energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities, and recommends measures to reduce electricity and natural gas usage.  Since 59 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the City of Boulder are derived from commercial building energy use, the city acknowledges that outreach to the business community is crucial in meeting the 2012 CAP goals.

The assessment results in a report that includes Xcel Energy rebate estimates and estimated return on investment for each efficiency measure installed.  This feature allows companies to prioritize improvements over time and budget accordingly.   Below is a list of companies that have implemented energy efficiency measures to date:

2995 Baseline, Congregation Har Hashem, Nature Conservancy, Lumia Organic, Elevations Credit Union, 6655 Lookout Road, Flatirons Golf Course, Special Transit, Kaiser at Baseline, Liquor Mart, Unity Church, 4735 Walnut Offices, Boulder Chamber of Commerce, Registry Building, Homewood Suites, American Outdoor Products, Boulder Community Hospital (1000 Alpine), Western Disposal and Crispin Porter + Bogusky.

ClimateSmart programs promote energy efficiency, alternative transportation options, and renewable energy to households and businesses throughout Boulder County. For more information about this and other ClimateSmart programs, visit www.beclimatesmart.com/.   To sign up for a BPP assessment, call (303) 441-4191.

 

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