Sustainability

Sustainable Wheat Ridge committee member, Britt Guimond (District IV), asked Councilmember Rachel Hultin (District II) a few questions about the councilmember’s opinion of sustainability in Wheat Ridge, as well as her experience engaging with Sustainable Wheat Ridge — Wheat Ridge’s resident-led, volunteer-based committee whose purpose serves to (1) advise the City of Wheat Ridge on matters pertaining to environmental sustainability, and (2) to promote sustainability programs to residents and businesses within the City of Wheat Ridge through engagement and outreach. Here’s what Councilmember Hultin had to say:

1. What do Wheat Ridge City Council members like to hear about from our community?

Councilmember Hultin: The core of what city councilors do is solve problems so we depend on our community to let us know when things don't meet expectations. It's not surprising that the overwhelming majority of what we hear are concerns and complaints, but this is only part of the information we need to make good decisions. We need to hear what is working and ideas about how to build on successes. We also need more personal stories.

• What are the day-to-day aspects of living in Wheat Ridge that contribute to your quality of life?

• How did a special event or experience deepen your appreciation for living here?

• What are the opportunities we might be overlooking?

The value of hearing hopes, ideas, and expectations helps us craft policies that not only address problems, but helps us shape the city for future generations.

2. In your opinion, how has Sustainable Wheat Ridge helped improve the city since it began in 2018?

Councilmember Hultin: Sustainable Wheat Ridge has made sustainability an integral part of our identity. Before the original committee members began their work in 2018, the city lacked a visible, coherent, and inclusive sustainability program. We were doing some good, even great, things to advance conservation and resilience. We have a long history as a designated Tree City USA, the preservation of the greenbelt as a naturalized area, celebration of our agricultural heritage; but they were disjointed. The development of the first Sustainability Action Plan (SAP) in 2018 created a container for community members and city leaders to initiate measurable successes. Despite not being officially adopted by City Council, Sustainable Wheat Ridge implemented the majority of goals from the SAP and, more importantly, elevated sustainability as a tangible community identity. I'm looking forward to adopting the updated SAP this fall to deepen our mutual accountability to center climate action and sustainable practices.

3. In your opinion, what is your favorite program, policy or improvement made to our community that was inspired by Sustainable Wheat Ridge?

Councilmember Hultin: With so, so, SO many successful programs and policies inspired by Sustainable Wheat Ridge, this could be a difficult question to answer. But I'm a Swiftie-level fangirl of Sustainable Neighborhoods. Places, people, and planet all benefit when neighbors across a spectrum of perspectives work together to turn ideas into actions in their own backyards (and front yards and neighborhood parks.). IMHO, the City of Wheat Ridge is notably responsive, but it's burdened with standards of accountability that limit municipal government. The Sustainable Neighborhoods program lets the city be a backseat partner supporting neighbors to find shared values through project- based efforts. The result? Places that center sustainable principles and people with increased civic capacity to affect meaningful change on behalf of the planet and future generations. Everyone wins today and tomorrow!

Want to be part of sustainability conversations happening in Wheat Ridge right now? Here are a few different ways to get involved:

• Visit our webpage and stay tuned for the new SAP launching in fall 2024

• Subscribe to our email newsletter

• Check out other articles we’ve written on What’s Up Wheat Ridge

• Attend city council meetings on Mondays at 6:30pm either in-person, by phone or on TV/YouTube

In 2017, Mayor Joyce Jay appointed the Wheat Ridge Environmental Sustainability Committee, now known as Sustainable Wheat Ridge. This committee, made up of 12 residents, was tasked with forming the City’s first Sustainability Action Plan focusing on six topic areas: Water, Transportation, Communications & Engagement, Solid Waste & Recycling, Energy Efficiency & Green Building, and Renewable Energy. In June 2018, the plan was presented to City Council and accepted with gratitude but was not formally adopted.

This plan led to hiring the City’s first Sustainability Coordinator, marking the first staff person focusing solely on sustainability. Since then, staff and Sustainable Wheat Ridge have focused on implementation of the action plan. To date, 64% of the plan is completed or in progress. Much of what remains is policy-focused, making it an opportune time to update the initial plan and focus on getting additional buy-in from City staff and leadership.

Prior to beginning the update process, staff conducted a Request for Proposal (RFP) solicitation. Three proposals were received, and staff interviewed three agencies before ultimately selecting Lotus Engineering & Sustainability as the chosen vendor. The budget for this project is $50,000.

The initial 2018 Sustainability Action Plan focused on the six previously mentioned topic areas and contained 20 goals and 135 implementation strategies. The updated action plan retains the original six topic areas, adds two new ones (Arts & Culture and Businesses & Jobs), and proposes 24 goals and 113 implementation strategies.

This plan represents a major milestone in the progress of Sustainable Wheat Ridge! Check out the draft plan on the right hand side of this page under "Documents."

As we strive for a healthier and more sustainable future, embracing a plant-based diet significantly benefits the environment and our community. Recent research from the University of Oxford reveals that those who follow a plant-based diet generate 75 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than individuals consuming an average amount of meat daily.

Animal agriculture plays a substantial role in climate change, with estimates suggesting that meat, dairy, and egg production contribute up to 11 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Transitioning to a plant-based diet helps reduce emissions and addresses the immense land use associated with animal agriculture. Livestock farming occupies nearly 40 percent of the planet's habitable land, much of which could be reforested to absorb carbon dioxide and mitigate climate change.

Plant-based diets offer a wealth of health advantages, in addition to their environmental benefits. They can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. These diets are typically rich in essential nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, promoting overall well-being and longevity. By choosing a plant-based diet, you are not only contributing to a healthier planet but also taking control of your own health.

By adopting a plant-based diet, you are taking a small yet powerful step towards preserving our environment. Your mindful choices about food contribute to a healthier planet and set an example for future generations. Remember, adopting more plant-based eating doesn’t have to mean committing to vegetarian or vegan diets altogether. Removing meat, dairy, or eggs from one or two meals a week can add up – from both an environmental and health perspective. Let’s embrace these small changes together and be part of a global movement towards a cleaner, greener, and healthier future.

For so many reasons, walking or riding a bicycle is a great way to get around Wheat Ridge, and it’s getting even better! Bicycle and pedestrian safety are being improved thanks to a grant from the Safe Routes to Parks Colorado Activating Communities program. This program recognizes the need for universally accessible playgrounds and parks, supporting equitable engagement, and investing in safety for active transportation. There has been a swell of momentum building and there will soon be more visible activities taking place right here in Wheat Ridge.

Bike Jeffco was awarded a $10,000 grant to collaborate with Wheat Ridge residents, the Wheat Ridge Active Transportation Advisory Team (ATAT), and the City of Wheat Ridge to improve access to local parks and green spaces. City Council member Rachel Hultin (who also serves as liaison to the Sustainable Wheat Ridge committee) has supported Bike Jeffco and the ATAT in a strong community engagement effort to identify and evaluate locations with a need for safety improvements. Many areas were assessed based on community input, with final attention being drawn both towards 32nd Avenue near Crown Hill Park and Miller Street near Fruitdale Park.

This grant comes with technical assistance and training provided by the Safe Routes Partnership. The national Safe Routes team, along with experts from CDPHE, CDOT, CPW, and Jefferson County Trails, recently visited Miller Street near Fruitdale Park. Our local representatives worked with them to prioritize a plan for Miller Street from 44th to 48th Ave. That stretch includes Fruitdale Park and is book-ended by Mountain Phoenix Charter School to the north and Compass Montessori School to the south, yet the current sidewalks are incomplete, traffic signage is limited, and no safe crosswalks exist.

In September, a pop-up temporary improvement will be installed on Miller Street near Fruitdale Park. Although the $10,000 grant funding will only cover a temporary demonstration of what’s possible, this is an exciting step forward for Wheat Ridge! This will allow all of us to see what a safer community can be, providing Safe Routes to Parks for students and residents, alike. All ages need to be able to traverse neighborhoods safely. Especially when we’re looking to enjoy the amazing green open spaces that Wheat Ridge has to offer. Keep your eyes on Miller Street improvements coming up in September!

As we begin to bask in the glory and warmth of summer, the inevitability of increased energy bills lingers on our minds as we seek refuge in the cool comforts of our homes. But fear not! There are numerous ways to stay cool while keeping your energy consumption - and bills - in check.

For both renters, homeowners, and businesses alike, smart habits can create smart savings. Simple daily habits can lead to significant savings. For example, if you have a thermostat, increasing the set temperature by 7°-10°F when away can reduce cooling costs. Running dishwashers, laundry machines, and ovens during cooling hours can also prevent additional heat build-up inside, and of course, keeping your cooling systems clean and well maintained will ensure that they run efficiently. Bonus points for using Energy Star rated appliances!

Colorado’s climate is unique, and so must be its cooling solutions. Some tailored options to look into are Evaporative coolers, whole house fans, and heat pumps! Evaporative coolers are ideal for dry climates like ours, because they add moisture to them and use less energy than traditional AC units. For homeowners, whole house fans are a cost-effective alternative that draws cool air through the house and expels hot air through the attic. Alternatively, heat pumps are versatile systems that can cool and heat your home, a smart 2-in-1 investment!

For budget friendly options, consider natural cooling methods, such as taking advantage of Colorado’s cool nights. Opening your windows after dusk invites the cool air inside, just remember to close them again during the day! You can use blinds and curtains to shield your interiors from the relentless sun during peak hours as well! As of January 1, 2024, Coloradans can take advantage of tax credits to install heat pumps for space heating and cooling and water heating through the Colorado Energy Office.

Finally, maximize efficiency with tax credits, rebates, and Assistance programs! Colorado offers a suite of incentives that make energy efficiency an achievable goal for all residents! For starters, the Colorado Energy Office Weatherization Assistance Program partners with local weatherization agencies throughout the state to provide free weatherization services to Colorado homeowners and renters alike. Looking to do some home improvements? Local utility companies extend cash-back rebates for various energy efficiency upgrades. Programs like EnergySmart Colorado are a treasure trove of information and assistance.

By adopting these energy saving measures, not only do we ensure a cooler home environment, but we also contribute to a greener, more sustainable Colorado! Let’s take advantage of state and federal incentives, embrace natural cooling methods, and make informed choices about our energy use. Together, we can enjoy a comfortable summer while safeguarding our beautiful state for future generations.

Stay cool, stay green and save big this summer!

In January 2024, The City and Sustainable Wheat Ridge, kicked-off a project to update the City’s Sustainability Action Plan. The original 2018 Sustainability Action Plan was community-driven, a collective action taken on behalf of the Sustainable Wheat Ridge Committee.

The updated plan aims to:

1) Highlight the sustainability progress that Wheat Ridge has already made.

2) Understand the vision that Wheat Ridge residents have for the current and future vibrancy of Wheat Ridge.

3) Be formally adopted by City Council. The plan is scheduled to be completed by the end of summer 2024 and will be a 5-year roadmap for Wheat Ridge.

Project Goals

To identify actionable, impactful strategies for Wheat Ridge to improve the following areas:

• Energy Efficiency and Green Building
• Equity and Environmental Justice
• Water
• Transportation
• Solid Waste and Recycling
• Communications and Engagement
• Businesses and Jobs
• Arts and Cultures
• Renewable Energy

In addition, this project aims to empower residents, businesses, and city staff to take part in creating a more sustainable, vibrant Wheat Ridge through the creation of a 5-year sustainability roadmap.

How can you get involved?! Take this survey by June 9 to let us know what matters most to you! Subscribe to the project's page on What's Up Wheat Ridge to learn more and stay up to date.

As Spring arrives in the Rocky Mountains one noticeable shift into the season includes the faint hum of pollinators and insects as they emerge from their winter habitats and begin to find their way from plant to plant in our urban landscapes.

Pollinators make it possible for plants to reproduce and create fruits. Birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles, ants, moths, small mammals and more are responsible for approximately one out of every three bites of food we eat.

In January 2024, the CO Department of Natural Resources released the 308-page Colorado Native Pollinating Insects Health Study, a commissioned report conducted collaboratively by Colorado State University Extension, the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, and the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History in consultation with various subject matter experts throughout the state.

The comprehensive report assessed the health of Colorado’s native pollinators, evaluated the State’s pollinator policies, and recommended ways to preserve and protect pollinators. The study revealed an incredibly vibrant community of native pollinators that are increasingly at risk due to habitat loss, poor land-management practices, pesticides, non-native species competition, and climate change.

When we support pollinators, we foster thriving ecosystems with robust plant communities that contribute to healthy soils and clean water. In addition to promoting policies that benefit native pollinators, recommended actions include:

1. Landscape with plants native to Colorado—this saves water, fosters biodiversity, and improves air quality while providing native pollinator habitat.
2. Select native plants that will be in bloom successively from early spring through fall to support and match the needs of pollinators all season long. Think about which pollinators you’d like to attract and plant specifically for them—bees, butterflies, moths, etc all have different plant preferences.
3. Use and promote sustainable, regenerative land management practices. Eliminate chemical fertilizer and pesticide use, instead choose alternative methods for pest and weed control.
4. Provide water sources—think shallow birdbaths and bowls with small pebbles or rocks to provide landing spaces for native pollinators.
5. Create pollinator habitats—consider adding nesting sites or invertebrate homes to your garden landscape in each season. Leave the fall garden standing through the winter and leave the leaves to provide places for overwintering, too.
6. Wait to clear out the fall garden until after spring temps are consistently above 50 degrees. Perhaps this is the year to participate in “No Mow May” to let grass grow and provide early season forage for pollinators.

In simple terms, pollinators require water, a sunny space to rest, and year-round blooms to visit.

Happy Spring Planting!

Check out these resources!

• Colorado Native Plant Society: https://conps.org/
• Colorado State University Extension | Creating Pollinator Habitat: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/creating-pollinator-habitat-5-616/
• Denver Audubon | Native Plants for Birds: https://denveraudubon.org/native-plants-birds/
• Denver Urban Gardens | Creating a Paradise for Pollinators: https://dug.org/creating-a-paradise-for-pollinators/
• People and Pollinators Action Network: https://www.peopleandpollinators.org/
• Wheat Ridge Parks & Rec | Regenerate Wheat Ridge: https://www.rootedinfun.com/302/Regenerate-Wheat-Ridge
• Wildlife Trusts | How to build a bug mansion: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/actions/how-build-bug-mansion
• Wild Ones Front Range: https://frontrange.wildones.org/
• Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation: https://xerces.org/

Whether you’re new to Wheat Ridge or have been a long-time resident, you know how dry the climate can get here. Sure, there might be snow on the ground today, but in a few months we can all expect that moisture to dry up and the ground to get dry again. How can we make this precious, limited (and expensive) resource go the distance this upcoming summer? Some ideas could be:

• Picking native plants that thrive in arid climates and attract pollinators
• Setting up efficient sprinklers so plants and yards get the right amount of water
• Replacing lawns with drought-tolerant options like xeriscaping and alternative turf

Not sure where to get started? Here are 4 programs offered through Resource Central to help inspire your landscaping plans this season:

Garden in a Box: This popular program makes it easy to transform your yard into a beautiful, drought-tolerant oasis helping you to use less water on your landscaping year after year. Each spring and summer, Resource Central offers a selection of professionally designed, low-water garden kits tailor-made for Colorado yards. These DIY kits include quart-sized perennial plants, plant-by-number maps, seasonal maintenance suggestions, and watering schedule recommendations. These boxes sell out fast — the sale starts March 4, get yours before they’re all gone! Wheat Ridge residents may be eligible for a $25 discount on qualifying purchases while supplies last – just select City of Wheat Ridge as your water provider at checkout.

Lawn Replacement: By replacing your grass with waterwise plants, you’ll use less water outdoors while supporting pollinators (and spending less time maintaining that yard). It’s an easy way to create a stunning environment that benefits both our communities and the environment. Wheat Ridge residents qualify for a discount of $500 on turf replacement services, learn more here. Discounts are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply by April 1 to meet the priority deadline.

Slow the Flow: This program evaluates sprinklers to help Colorado residents use their water wisely. Gain knowledge about your system, get a customized watering schedule, and learn ways to improve efficiency and reduce water waste. Best of all — these evaluations are FREE to Wheat Ridge residents while supplies last! Registration for this program opens in April, but you can join the wait list today!

Investing in energy-efficient updates for your home isn't just a trend — it's a strategic move with many benefits. Here are the top 3 reasons driving home energy efficiency updates today:

1. Cost Savings: Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, lighting and insulation can lead to lower utility bills. These updates may require an initial investment, but the long-term savings make it a financially savvy decision. Over time, the reduced energy consumption pays dividends, contributing to a more sustainable and budget-friendly lifestyle. Today, Wheat Ridge residents can take advantage of Xcel rebates and tax credits offered through the Inflation Reduction Act. In 2024, experts predict tax rebates will be available to consumers, making it even more affordable to update your home in a smart, efficient way!
2. Environmental Impact: Traditional energy sources often result in harmful emissions and environmental degradation. By opting for energy-efficient updates, you're actively reducing your carbon footprint through decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. From energy-efficient HVAC systems to solar panel arrays on your roof, each choice contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable planet. It's a small step that collectively makes a big difference.
3. Health and Comfort: Did you know that living with a gas stove is akin to living with a smoker? One way to combat health risks associated with energy that uses fossil fuels is to electrify your home. Not only will you create a healthier environment to live in, you’ll also be more comfortable. Better insulation and energy-efficient windows can regulate indoor temperatures, creating a more pleasant living space year-round. Smart thermostats and lighting systems offer convenience and control, adapting to your preferences while optimizing energy use.

Many resources are available to offset the cost of making these updates to your Wheat Ridge home, here are some to consider:

• Rewiring America Inflation Reduction Act Savings Calculator: find out how much money you can save based on your zip code, tax filing status, household income and more https://www.rewiringamerica.org/app/ira-calculator
• Rewiring America Electrification Checklist: https://www.rewiringamerica.org/electrify-home-guide
• EnergyStar - search by zip code to see eligible credits and rebates in your area: https://www.energystar.gov/rebate-finder
• IRS - list of credits and deductions under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022: https://www.irs.gov/credits-and-deductions-under-the-inflation-reduction-act-of-2022
• Colorado Energy Office - tax credits and incentives: https://energyoffice.colorado.gov/federal-funding-incentives/inflation-reduction-act-tax-credits-incentives
• Colorado Energy Office - weatherization assistance: https://energyoffice.colorado.gov/weatherization-assistance-program
• Energy Smart Colorado - tax Credits and Incentives for Colorado: https://energysmartcolorado.org/tax-credits-incentives/
• Energy Efficiency Home Loan Programs: https://cocleanenergyfund.com/products/residential-products/renu/ and https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-efficient-mortgages