State and Local Climate and Energy Program
Denver Energy Challenge
Denver, Colorado
Federal Funding: $491,156
Project Timeline: February 2010 – March 2012
Project Summary
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions at the Neighborhood Scale
- Program Highlights - 2011 (PDF) (53 pp, 6M)
The goal of Denver’s Energy Challenge is to develop projects to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at the neighborhood level. The project consists of four elements:
- Greening small businesses
- Expanding neighborhood sustainable mobility options
- Providing incentives to support clean energy
- Engaging residents to reduce GHG emissions
To support the greening of local small businesses, the City of Denver will provide workshops and education resources, develop energy action plans across business districts, and assist small businesses through a "start-to-finish" energy-assistance package. The City also will work with businesses to expand sustainable mobility options in neighborhoods. To achieve this goal, the project will promote local non-auto routes, help businesses provide incentives to reduce vehicle travel, and promote alternative fuels.
In addition, the project will promote the voluntary purchases of renewable energy and travel GHG emission offsets through a community "Energy Makeover" program. Neighborhoods that meet targets for purchasing renewable energy or travel offsets will receive funding for energy efficiency upgrades or a renewable energy system at a local school or community building.
Finally, the City will engage residents to reduce GHG emissions from their homes. Through Denver’s Neighborhood Energy Action Partnership, residents in high-need neighborhoods will gain access to programs including: free curbside recycling, free tree planting, free CFL porch bulbs, energy audits, home weatherization for low-income families, and utility rebates.
The benefits of the Energy Challenge Project include a reduction in GHG emissions by improving residential energy efficiency, reducing commercial energy use, promoting green power, and reducing transportation GHG emissions. The Energy Challenge will also realize social benefits by supporting green jobs and by educating residents, students, and small business owners while influencing behavioral changes necessary for the long-term achievement of environmental objectives.
Community Characteristics
| Population: | 599,000 |
|---|---|
| Area: | 155 square miles |
| Government Type: | City and County |
| Community Type: | Urban |
| Median Household Income: | $46,305 |
Program Results/Estimated Results
| Expected GHG Reductions: | 28,745 metric tons CO2e annually |
|---|---|
| Expected Electricity Savings: | 325 MWh annually |
| Businesses Reached (as of 12/11): | 600 |
| Residences Reached (as of 12/11): | 32,260 visits, 8,300 program sign-ups |
| GHG Reductions (as of 12/11): | 16,423 metric tons CO2e annually |
Project Websites
- http://www.denverenergy.org/
- https://www.facebook.com/DPSEnergyChallenge
- http://www.coloradolocalfirst.com/localflavorguides
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wi-buoenw4
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HecAUpVqlqA&feature=channel_video_title
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03XkbBmj3A8&feature=player_embedded
Media Coverage
- Interview with the Colorado Homes Show about the Denver Energy Challenge
- denvergreenstreets, The Denver energy Challenge Kickoff Event , 10/19/2011
- From Durham to Sacramento, Cities Get Help With 'Climate Showcase' Projects , 3/3/2010
- City of Denver, Northern Cheyenne Tribe, and Salt Lake City Receive Grants to Combat Greenhouse Gases, 2/25/2010
Photos and Video
